Duncan MacLachlan Dies in Accident

Duncan MacLachlan, a stalwart of the Ontario piping scene, was killed in a traffic accident on April 24 when he was apparently crushed by a tractor at his farm in Waterloo, Ontario.

For many years MacLachlan was active as a piper and pipe major in Ontario, leading, among other bands, the Grade 2 Waterloo Police Pipe Band in the mid-1970s. The band attained Grade 1 status for a short period of time before it disbanded due to personnel issues. He was also pipe major of the Highland Fusiliers of Canada (Galt). Both bands were successful Grade 1 bands from 1971 to 1975.

Duncan MacLachlan was also well known for his management of the Cambridge Highland Games, bringing the event to attain “Canadian Pipe band Championship” status, rivalled in size and scope only by the Glengarry Highland Games at Maxville.

A native of Scotland, MacLachlan served with the Shotts & Dykehead Pipe Band in the 1950s before moving to Canada. He taught many people in Ontario, and, among others, introduced renowned piper Jim McGillivray to the instrument.

A memorial was held in Stratford, Ontario, on April 28 with Gail Brown of Milton, Ontario, and Ewan MacLachlan, son of Duncan, providing piping interludes.

On behalf of the entire piping world, the Piper & Drummer extends condolences to Duncan MacLachlan’s family and friends.

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