The story of Angus MacKay's turbulent life --from his boyhood in a cottage on Raasay, to fame at Victoria's court, to his ultimate battle with mental illness-- in his own words.

Angus MacKay of Raasay (1812-1859) is a legendary figure in the history of Scottish music, with his work still celebrated 160 years after his death. The remarkable story of the man himself, however, has been neglected until now. In this fictionalized account, MacKay
pens the tale of his sensational life. From humble beginnings on the Isle of Raasay, MacKay reflects on his rise through nineteenth-century society, gaining nationwide renown and becoming the first piper to the Sovereign. Yet, despite his fame and musical accomplishments, something is amiss. Why is MacKay writing his journal from the notorious Bedlam hospital? And why has he been dismissed from Her Majesty's service?

"Revealing, sensitively written and eminently readable. It is an imagined autobiography of Angus MacKay, piper to Queen Victoria, but it is well-informed and thoroughly researched and convincing. Besides piping, it provides insights into the social life of the time, from croft to palace, as well as into the treatment of mental illness. Iain MacDonald is to be warmly congratulated."--John Purser, author of Scotland's Music

"A sympathetic view of a driven and complex man ... Above all, a tale told with verve, flair, a fine eye for detail, and a sensitive depiction of the ultimate tragedy of the central character."--James Beaton, former librarian at the National Piping Centre

"I loved this book ... It empathetically captures the triumphs and tribulations of MacKay's life --from Raasay croft, via Balmoral and Buckingham Palace, and ultimately to the asylum. It is true to the facts, deeply researched and easy to read. Victorian life is described with pathos, humour and colour. MacKay might have written this himself."--Jack Taylor, former president of the P