New book is fitting tribute to last of the traditional Gaelic bards

A SONG and poetry book written by the late Niall Brownlie is to be posthumously launched on Tiree on Tuesday (May 24). Smuaintean Bho Ceann a’ Bhara is published by Taigh na Teud and is the product of a collaboration between them, The Gaelic Books Council and the organisers of A Bhuain, Tiree’s Homecoming Festival. It will be launched in An Talla from 3pm.

Gaelic singer Gilbert MacMillan has described the book as ‘an excellent addition to the list of Tiree inspired publications.’

He said: ‘ Traditional Gaelic poetry has tended to focus on love, and love of nature and homeland, and while Brownlie largely keeps to those subject matters, he invariably adds a modern twist to the traditional poetic subject matter whilst keeping deeply rooted within the Gaelic song tradition. His song, An

Fhichdeamh Linn is Linn Ùr’, which was composed in the early days of the new millenium, commemorates those who died in the wars of the 20th century and outlines his hopes that the new millenium would bring peace thoughout the world.’

He went on: ‘ However, a song to Ellen MacArthur in celebration of her breaking the record for the fastest solo yacht circumnavigation of the globe and numerous songs in praise of Tiree’s landscape and people demonstrate that he was equally comfortable with traditional and more modern subjects matter.’

In the book’s introduction, Ronald Black, author and Gaelic editor of The Scotsman, said he believes Brownlie was the last of the traditional Gaelic Bards.

This book has a number of specially commissioned melodies by Ishbel and Màiri Strachan in which they senstitively set Brownlie’s poems to music.

Mr MacMillan added: ‘ Taigh na Teud have produced a fitting tribute to a true gentleman of Gaelic song whose love for his wife, island roots and community make this a must have book for all who are interested in Gaelic song and poetry.’