Arthur Lawrie dies

Colonel Arthur Lawrie, the last link with the famous bagpipe-makers R.G. Lawrie of Glasgow, has died, aged 80.

After a distingished military career, Lawrie took over the firm that his grandfather had established in 1881. In addition to pipes, the company specialized in the manufacture of bowling green bowls. The company prospered after the Second World War, when demand for pipes and Highland wear peaked.

Arthur Lawrie expanded the business to comprise six shops across Scotland. In the 1970s the bagpipe-making side of the business dwindled, and R.G. Lawrie specialized in Highland dress and the manufacture of non-piping merchandise. The Lawrie family sold the business in 1980.

Vintage R.G. Lawrie pipes (1890-1940) are considered to be of the best drones ever produced.

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