Hugh Robertson is believed to have made bagpipes from 1760 to 1816. It is not known where he learned this skill however there is a strong connection with Adam Barclay, a maker in Edinburgh who was active as early as 1748. Barclay was listed as a turner in 1712. Robertson is much storied and much revered, and many subsequent makers either had a direct relationship with him or were greatly influenced by his work. He made the Prize Pipe in 1781 for the first competition sponsored by the Highland Society of London at Falkirk. He made prize bagpipes for that event for several years, the last being in 1818. The Prize Pipe of 1802 is seen at the top right, along with a bellows-blown Union pipe.
