William Duff - Atholl Man
William Duff Atholl Man - Ghillie, Gardener, Fiddler, Flyfisher, Violin Maker
Willie Duff Born 21st June 1809 - died 26h July 1882 Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland.
Willie Duff was a notable ghillie, gardener and estate worker at the Blair Atholl Estate and amateur maker of violins, known locally as ‘Bearded Willie’. He was a large man of 6' 3" in his bonnet adorned with a Lorne brooch. A multi talented he worked Atholl estate of the 5th Duke and known for being an excellent fishermen, game keeper and friend of Queen Victoria. For a time and lived in Loch Ordie Lodge on the estate.
Willie Duff Violin Maker
They said of his violins. He was large man whose work is very coarse. Stainer model, usually painted purfling, made in primitive style with ‘through’ neck, rather than a separate interior top block. Yellow spirit varnish. He also made and rehaired bows using hair from horses in the Estate’s stables.
William Duff - Atholl Man
William Duff - Ghillie, Atholl Man