The life and work of the great Gaelic poet, Sorley MacLean, will be celebrated on Skye this summer, marking one hundred years since the poet’s birth.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, in partnership with the Scottish Centre for Island Studies, University of West Scotland, will host a three day event, Ainmeil Thar Cheudan – Renowned over Hundreds, honouring MacLean’s legacy. The event will open on Wednesday the 15th June with a night of music and poetry with Scots Makar, Liz Lochhead who will be joined by distinguished Gaelic poet and songwriter, Aonghas MacNeacail, and the pupils of Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd at Plockton High School.

It is anticipated that the event will attract an array of academics, poets, musicians and artists, along with those with an interest in the literature, culture and identity of Scotland, to participate in two days of discussions, readings and recollections. The event will cover a range of topics on the life and work of MacLean and contributors will include Professor Douglas Gifford from the University of Glasgow, film maker and author, Timothy Neat, Professor Máire Ní Annracháin from University College Dublin and Scottish writer and poet, Christopher Whyte.

Speaking of his delight at hosting such a prestigious event, Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Professor Boyd Robertson said: “This will not only be a meeting of scholarly minds, but a gathering of poets, musicians, artists and others from across the globe who have been influenced by the poetry of Sorley MacLean.”

The event will feature a number of book launches and will play host to the acclaimed exhibition, Uinneag dhan Àrd an Iar – Windows to the West, as well as present a screening of the much admired film, Somhairle MacGill-Eain: A Bhàrdachd agus A Shealladh, the 1986 BBC Alba Gaelic version (sub-titled) of Hallaig: the poetry and landscape of Sorley MacLean directed by Timothy Neat.

Rody Gorman, Writer in Residence at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig said: “A language is nothing without people, and indeed, without poetry. Sorley MacLean is without doubt the most important poet, and perhaps the most important person, in the history of the Gaelic language. He created worldwide interest in Scottish Gaelic through his poetry. This celebratory event at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig allows us, in a very small way, to honour him and his remarkable contribution.”

Those attending will also have the opportunity to visit the birth place of Sorley MacLean, the Isle of Raasay, on Saturday 18th June and enjoy a series of talks and walks around the island with Urras Dualchas Ratharsair, the Raasay Heritage Trust.

The event is sponsored by Morrison Construction, Scottish Islands Writers Network, Creative Scotland and Scotland’s Islands. Anyone interested in attending the event should visit the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig website www.smo.uhi.ac.uk  or telephone 01471 888000.

Source: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig