Professor Hugh Cheape explores Sorley Maclean's archival essays.
Sorley Maclean (Somhairle MacGill-eathain, 26 October 1911 to 24 November 1996) is a giant of Gaelic literature and a poet with an international following. Join Professor Hugh Cheape as he looks beyond Maclean's poetry to his sources of inspiration in landscape and community, and to his inheritance of the traditions of the Hebrides.
Maclean grew up in the interwar period. His awareness of the economic deprivation of the islands and of the growing tensions of international politics led him to counter the poor public record of this world-order with poetry of epic quality. At the same time, he began to seek endorsement in a highly developed language and dynamic culture of the 16th and 17th centuries. This includes a collection of Gaelic song coming from the well-known poets of the period and an unrealised wealth of poetry of unknown authorship. The talk will identify some of the topics raised by Sorley to consider how important these are for a better understanding of Highland history today and in time coming.
The talk will be accompanied by readings of Sorley Mclean's work by Ann Paterson.
This event organised in conjunction with Capital Gaelic accompanies our exhibition, 'Treasures of the National Library of Scotland' which is on at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. Items from Sorley Maclean's archive are on display as part of this exhibition until September 2025.
About the speakers
Professor Hugh Cheape is a leading expert in Scottish ethnology and musicology. Now based at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, he teaches the MSc Cultar Dùthchasach agus Eachdraidh na Gàidhealtachd, drawing on decades of research and publications exploring topics such as Highland history, vernacular traditions, tartans, and piping.
Ann Paterson is a native Gaelic speaker from Lewis and has been involved in the Gaelic community in Edinburgh for over 30 years. She currently leads on the Capital Gaelic project.
