John Mac Kenzie, familiarly known as John Bane Mac Kenzie, or _Am Piobaire Bàn_, was born near Dingwall about the end of the seventeenth century, and died in 1864, full of years, and with as high honours as piper could expect to get. His first situation as piper was with Mr. Mac Kenzie of Allangrange, about 1820. The following year he entered the service of Mr. Davidson of Tulloch, where he remained for twelve or thirteen years. While at Tulloch John was often taken by his master to Applecross, where a friend of his, a Captain Mac Kenzie, resided. One of Captain Mac Kenzie’s daughters fell in love with the handsome piper, and one night they ran away and got married at Crieff. Shortly afterwards John was appointed piper to the then Marquis of Breadalbane, in whose service he remained for thirty years, when ill-health forced him to retire. He spent the evening of his days in a fine cottage which he bought in the village of Munlochy, Ross-shire, and died in 1864, deeply regretted by all who knew him. He was buried at Strathpeffer, where a fine headstone was erected by his wife, to mark his grave. John Bane Mac Kenzie was the foremost player of his time, and as an all round exponent of the national instrument it is doubtful if he ever had an equal. In appearance he was the finest possible specimen of a Highlander, of tall, handsome physique, upright in appearance as in character. When in full uniform his tunic was covered with medals and decorations won at competitions, including the gold medal of the Highland Society of London, which he won in 1838, when it was first offered. His knowledge of English was limited, but what he lacked in English he made up in the quaintly humorous nature of his replies and his good knowledge of his native tongue. He composed a number of tunes, the best known of which is “Mac Kenzie’s Farewell to Sutherland.” Her late Majesty Queen Victoria having seen John, asked his master if his piper would enter her service. The story of how he declined the Queen’s offer is worth telling. When she communicated to Breadalbane her desire to have _Am Piobaire Bàn_ as a member of the Royal household, the chief felt taken aback, but not wishing to offend Her Majesty, he approached John on the matter:— [Illustration: JOHN BANE MAC KENZIE (_From a Photograph in the possession of Pipe-Major Ronald Mac Kenzie, Gordon Castle_) ] “‘John,’ he said, ‘the Queen wants a piper.’ “‘Yes, ma Lort.’ “‘He must be thoroughly first-rate at marches, and also at strathspeys and reels, just the same as you are yourself, John.’ “‘Yes, my Lort.’ “‘The Queen also wishes her piper to be a fine specimen of a Highlander, tall and handsome, with a fine face and figure; in fact, one something like yourself, John.’ “‘Yes, my Lort.’ “‘There is one other indispensable qualification. He must be sober, reliable, and in every way a respectable man, just like yourself, John.’ “‘Yes, my Lort.’