A portrait of one of the world’s greatest bagpipers has been unveiled at the Gordon Highlander’s Museum in Aberdeen.
Pipe Major George Stewart McLennan, who died in 1929 after serving with the regiment in World War I, was a renowned composer, musician and teacher, whose funeral cortege was watched by 20,000 people as it made its way through the city.
The painting, titled Tunes from a Silent Chanter, was created by artist Robert Mathieson and commissioned by the Bucksburn and District Pipe Band.
It was unveiled by Stuart Samson MBE, the last surviving Pipe Major of the Gordon Highlanders, to the delight of Major McLennan’s descendants who were also at last night’s ceremony.
Fred McKay from the Bucksburn and District Pipe Band said it was a long overdue tribute to an extraordinary musician.
“He left a whole legacy of music from WWI,” he said.
“He died at 46 years old as a result of the war, and he’s recognised worldwide.”
Originally from Edinburgh, Major McLennan joined the Gordon Highlanders in 1899 and was named Pipe Major in 1905.
He settled in Aberdeen when he came out of the Army after WWI and opened a bagpipe making shop on Bath Street.
Jesper Ericsson, the curator of the museum, said: “I am delighted that Bucksburn Pipe Band and Robert Mathieson have made such a generous gift that recognises McLennan’s contribution to the regiment.
“The pipes are synonymous with the Gordons and many other Scottish regiments since Napoleonic times, and no history of the regiment is complete without recognition of the role of the pipers who played with bravery as their comrades went into battle.”
Major McLennan’s grandson Hamish, 61, travelled from Thurso for the unveiling.
He said: “We’re proud to see the man and his music live on and it’s great that he continues to be recognised worldwide.”