- published: 20 Dec 2010
- views: 3904
Sorley MacLean (Scottish Gaelic: Somhairle MacGill-Eain, sometimes "MacGilleathain" in earlier publications) (26 October 1911 – 24 November 1996) was one of the most significant Scottish poets of the 20th century.
He was born at Osgaig on the island of Raasay on 26 October 1911, where Scottish Gaelic was the first language. He attended the University of Edinburgh and was an avid shinty player for the university team. After earning a First class degree, he returned to the Highland and Island community to teach. He was instrumental in preserving the teaching of Gaelic in Scottish schools.
MacLean turned away from the Presbyterian faith of his community in his early teens. Like many European intellectuals of that day, his sympathies moved to the far left. Much of his work touched on specifically political themes and references, and his position was overtly Stalinist until the mid-1940s, although he was never a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain. He was also a skilled and delicate writer of love poetry.
Off The Page - Sorley MacLean
sorley maclean
Camhanaich, (Sorley Maclean) sung by Jenna Cumming, Alastair Whyte & Dingwall Gaelic Choir.wmv
Martyn Bennett - Hallaig
The Poetry of Sorley MacLean
Somhairle MacGill-eain- Ard Mhusaeum na h-Eireann
RURA - Sorley MacLean's/Tune for the Lasses/Kelly's Delight
The Island by Sorley MacLean/Somhairle MacGill-Eain
Sorley Maclean radio podcast wav
Recording the Past - Sorley MacLean's Hallaig