The Glen Family

The long tradition of bagpipe making under the Glen family names seems to have begun with the sons of John Glen (born July 29, 1755).  John and wife Betty moved the family to the Cowgate in Edinburgh in the very early 1800's.  Here the boys learned various trades and skills of commerce.

The bagpipe makers: George Glen - born March 13 1790.  He was described in old records as an auctioneer, appraiser, haberdasher, broker, cabinet maker, and musical instrument maker.  Little is known of his work however his bagpipes do surface from time-to-time.

Thomas MacBean Glen - born May 4, 1804.  He was also a furniture broker and musical instrument maker.  His son's John and Robert, took over his business which became J & R Glen Bagpipes.

Andrew Ross ran the business from 1951 to 1954, when under the terms of an agreement he inherited J & R Glen Bagpipes.  Andrew died in 1979 and the Glen business closed shortly thereafter.

The Glen Bagpipe Businesses

Thomas Glen Bagpipe Maker May 4, 1804 - July 12, 1873 1827 - 250 Cowgate, Edinburgh 1828 - 337 Cowgate, Edinburgh 1829 - 265 Cowgate, Edinburgh 1838 - 2 North Bank Street, Edinburgh J & R Glen - 1866 Thomas' sons: John Glen June 13, 1833 - Nov. 29, 1904 Robert Glen Jan. 13, 1835 - Oct. 21, 1911 J & R Glen - 1911 John's son Thomas Glen Aug. 5, 1867 - Aug. 21, 1951 Thomas owned and operated J & R Glen until his retirement in 1940.  Thomas' brother, Robert worked with him until his death in 1940. J & R Glen - 1940 Andrew Ross, employed by J & R Glen since 1911 managed the business from 1940 until 1954, when he became the proprietor.  He continued until 1978, when Gordon Stobo took over.  The business closed in the early 1980's after 150 years.

Alexander Glen Aug. 19, 1801 - March 14, 1873 brother to Thomas Glen Alexander Glen Bagpipe Maker 1842 - 250 Cowgate, Edinburgh 1845 - 30 West Register St., Edinburgh 1847 - 30 St. Andrews St., Edinburgh 1872 - 16 Carlton Hill (Alexander's home) David Glen April 3, 1853 - June 25, 1916 Alexander's son.  He opened David Glen, Bagpipe Maker in 1873 8 Greenside Place, Edinburgh David Glen & Sons - 1912 David Sr. with sons: 1) Alexander (Sandy) Dec. 31, 1877 - Feb, 4, 1951 2) David Dec. 1, 1883 - Apr. 5, 1958 David Glen & Sons - 1916 David Jr. assisted by his brother, Alexander.  David Jr. retired in 1949 and sold the remaining stock to J & R Glen.

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