79th Farewall to Gibraltar

"The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar" is considered one of the finest marches ever composed for the bagpipe. It was written by Pipe Major John Macdonald of the 79th Cameron Highlanders in June 1848, as his regiment was leaving Gibraltar for Canada.

The circumstances of its composition make for a compelling story: the regiment had originally been assigned to the West Indies, a posting notorious for its unhealthy climate and heavy losses to fever. It was only through the timely intervention of the Secretary of State — who happened to be the commanding officer's brother — that it was reassigned to Canada at the last moment. The title itself may carry a touch of irony: the transport ship was held up for several days off Gibraltar, delayed by contrary winds. Macdonald used the crossing to teach the piece to the regiment's pipers.

John Macdonald, a native of Tiree, was an exceptionally gifted musician: as a child, he had heard a piper play two tunes and reproduced them from memory upon returning home, having listened only once. He served as Pipe Major of the 1st Battalion, 79th Cameron Highlanders from 1840 to 1849, saw action in the Crimea, and lived until 1893.

A 2/4 march with four well-developed parts, it remains a staple of both competition and parade repertoires today, celebrated as much for the richness of its melodic lines as for its precisely dated history — a rarity in the military piping repertoire.