Peter Coutts Invercauld Piper

Peter Coutts Invercauld piper watercolour by Kenneth MacLeay

Peter Coutts Invercauld piper

Peter Coutts is thought to be one of the ghillies with the boat. The episode depicted in the painting was described by the Queen in her journal of 17 September 1850:

Royal Sports on Hill and Loch, otherwise known as The Boat Picture or the Balmoral misfortune, was a project which occupied Landseer and Queen Victoria for twenty years and resulted in a disappointing finished work, recorded in W. H Simmons’s print of 1874 (Royal Collection). The optimistic early stages of this process produced some much more satisfying sketches. Queen Victoria acquired this one in 1870, when she despaired of seeing the finished painting; it was, she said, ‘valuable to her as a remembrance of happy times.’

© Royal Collection Trust

Peter Coutts was born at the family farm of Balnellan, located in the picturesque area of Crathie, in September 1814. Several generations of his family had dedicated their lives to working on the expansive Invercauld estate, creating a strong connection to the rich heritage of the land. From an early age, he became remarkably proficient as a piper, and playing this beloved instrument would be a major preoccupation and passion throughout his life.

After gaining valuable experience working for his uncle at Daldownie, Glengairn, he eventually took up a position as a servant at the grand Abergeldie Castle for Sir Robert Gordon. His career took a significant turn when he joined the esteemed service of Queen Victoria in 1848, at the time of her accession to the royal residence of Balmoral.

The Queen spoke warmly of his character and notably admired his striking red hair, which stood out vividly. When Edwin Landseer, the renowned and prominent painter, was diligently working at Balmoral in the year 1850, he found Coutts’ unique appearance to be quite eye-catching. As a result, Coutts was introduced into the famous Royal Sports on Hill and Loch "Boat" picture.

However, Peter Coutts did not remain in royal service for a particularly long period of time, possibly only for a span of two short years. By the year 1851, he was recorded in historical documents as being a shepherd, indicating a significant change in his career path. Additionally, there were two other servants by the name of Coutts, James and Charles, who were also in the service of the monarch during the early days at Balmoral. However, their exact relationship to Peter remains somewhat unclear, though it is suggested that James may have been his brother.

For a short while, Peter Coutts served as the esteemed piper to the Prince of Wales before eventually being appointed as the private piper to the Laird of Invercauld, a prestigious position he proudly held for an impressive duration of 20 years. Throughout the remainder of his life, he frequently showcased his extraordinary musical talents at various events across Upper Deeside, passionately demonstrating his art to captivated audiences. On 17 August 1858, a particularly notable occasion occurred when the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria’s mother, was in residence at the grand Abergeldie Castle, celebrating her birthday in a splendid manner.

The royal household, accompanied by diligent gamekeepers, skilled ghillies, and devoted gardeners, made their way to commence her day with a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem. This beautiful tribute was followed by Peter Coutts, who skillfully played “The Queen’s welcome to Deeside” from the elevated heights of the nearby hill, Craignaben, creating a memorable and soulful start to the day.

In September of the year 1864, Peter Coutts had the honor of playing his pipes at an elegant ball that was graciously hosted by the esteemed Earl and Countess of Fife at the grand Mar Lodge. Following the return of Alexander Haldane Farquharson, who had recently been anointed as the laird, and his beautiful new bride to Invercauld after their honeymoon in the summer of 1893, a splendid banquet was organized. During this festive occasion, Peter Coutts not only delivered a heartfelt speech but also performed the beloved melodies “The Highland Laddie” and the stirring “Invercauld March.”

Peter had also skillfully composed a delightful tune dedicated to the new Mrs. Farquharson, titled “Mrs. Farquharson’s Welcome to Invercauld.” This charming melody filled the air joyfully as the laird and his wife gracefully drew up to the welcoming house, creating a moment rich with celebration and tradition.

Peter Coutts took on the important roles of secretary and treasurer of the esteemed Bagpipe Association and became a well-respected and regular judge at various Highland gatherings across the region. Probably his best-known composition, a charming Strathspey titled “Invercauld House,” showcases his musical talent and commitment to the art. Additionally, William McDonald, who served as the Queen’s piper, composed a memorable tune, “Tullochmacarrick’s March,” which was specifically dedicated to Coutts in recognition of his contributions to the piping community.

By the year 1861, Peter Coutts had established himself as a tenant farmer on the expansive Invercauld Estate. His farm, known as Tullochmacarrick, was situated in the picturesque region of Glengairn. Over the course of more than three decades, Peter diligently worked the property and gradually evolved into a highly successful sheep master and grazier.

The marriage of Peter Coutts and Margaret Coutts took place in the year 1854, marking the beginning of their life together, during which they were blessed with a family consisting of five children born between the years 1857 and 1869.

By the year 1893, Peter Coutts had decided to retire from his farming endeavors and subsequently moved to the charming village of Ballater, where he took up residence at Gairn Villa. It was there in this peaceful setting that he passed away in the year 1907.