At the battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, the 79th, part of Kempt’s brigade, formed square to prepare for the advancing enemy cavalry. During this episode Piper Mackay stepped outside the square and played the popular air ‘Cogadh na Sith’ (War or Peace - The True Gathering of the Clans). Piper Mackay came through the battle unscathed and must have been highly praised for his action. He was singled out as a representative of the regiment, along with two others, summoned to the Palace Elysée to be presented to the Emperor of Russia. Sergeant Thomas Campbell, Private John Fraser and Piper Mackay went to the Palace which was the residence of the Emperor of Russia in August 1815. They were joined by Sergeant MacGregor, Private Munro and Piper McKenzie of the 42nd Highlanders, and Sergeant Grant, Private Logan and Piper Cameron of the 92nd Highlanders. The Emperor, accompanied by Prince Blucher, Count Plutoff and several other distinguished individuals, made a very close inspection of the nine Highlanders and asked the pipers to play for them. The three pipers played ‘Cogadh na Sith’ and the Emperor was highly delighted. Mackay was later presented with a set of silver mounted pipes by King George IV.
