Reid, John, 1722-1807

John Reid b. Straloch, Perthshire 1721 or 1722; d. London 1807.

 [Although most references to John Reid give the birth year as 1721 Dr Christopher Field’s research identifies that Reid was born probably around 2 February 1722 and baptized four days later on 6 February and suggests that the 11-day difference between 2 February and 13 February may be related to the change in the system of calendars in 1752. Field notes that in accepting the year 1721 instead of 1722 the Professors and others were following a tradition that can be traced from Kirby’s Wonderful and Eccentric Museum of 1813 to recent editions of New Grove].

General in the British Army and Founder of the Reid Chair of Music, University of Edinburgh.

Scottish composer and flautist.
Reid's most well-known work is his March of the 42nd or Old Highland Regiment 'In the Garb of old Gaul.'

Following the Battle of Culloden (16 April 1746), the Dress Act (1746) banned the wearing of tartan and kilts except by soldiers of the British army. The highland dress of the ‘Black Watch’ or 42nd (Highland) Regiment, of which John Reid was a senior officer, was therefore unusual and the title of Reid’s march ‘In the garb of old Gaul’ refers to a style of clothing that was outlawed and no longer worn by Scottish Highlanders.  Lance Whitehead  

General Reid's March 'In the garb of old Gaul' is widely heard today as it has been selected as the Regimental Slow March of the Scots Guards.

Nationality:
British, Scottish

Works