The Pipe Banner carried by Captain Harry Colquhoun Farquarson MACDONALD of SLEAT'S Piper.
This pipe banner was carried by the Company commander's Piper in the 1st Bn Seaforth highlanders. On one side is the Regimental crest of the Seaforth highlanders and on the other the crest of the MACDONALDS of SLEAT.
Captain MacDonald was commissioned ensign into the 72nd Highlanders(Duke of Albany's Own) on 13th Nov 1878. He served in the Afghan war 1879-80,including the action at Charasiah,occupation of Kabul,defence of Deh
Mazung and Gorge,attack on Bala Hissar Hill and Passage of Deh Mazung Gorges and final repulse of the enemy. He took part in the march from Kabul to Khandahar and the Battle of September the 1st,
He was awarded the medal for Afghanistan with three clasps and The Bronze Star
He accompanied the Ist Bn Seaforth Highlanders on the Egyptian Expedition of 1882,being present at the seizure of Suez Canal,Capture of Ismalia,Battle of Tel -El -Kebir,Occupation of Zag a Zig and Cairo.
He was awarded the Egyptian medal with clasp and The Khedive's Star.
The House of MacDonald of Sleat(Isle of Skye) Clan HUISTEAN,derives its origin from Hugh,son of Alexander,Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross.
Some research now needs to be done on just where Harry slotted in to all of this and indeed what became of him! and what of his piper, The banner survived but what of the chap who carried it?
The Clan Chief is MacDonald of Sleat
Clan Seat...Duntulm Castle Skye
What a wonderful relic of that period and in superb condition.
Look at pic no 3,most of the info has been derived from that letter. The Banner has been in a drawer for the past 40 years.
SORRY FOLKS........GONE TO A GOOD HOME !