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“Clachan
Crìche” is an anthology of Gaelic verse composed by
natives of North Tolsta between the years 1850 and 2000 and
assembled over a number of years by the local historical society.
These
poems and songs cover a wide spectrum of topics and styles
and give an illuminating insight into the occupations and
way of life representative of that robust, enterprising crofting,
fishing and seafaring community. They include poems containing
much factual information about the older traditional dwellings
and their furnishings, about agricultural implements, about
fishing equipment and about the general cycle of crofting
activities; humorous songs about local customs and characters;
poems in sombre vein conveying the sorrow of bereavement or
the sadness of separation from home and family; nostalgic
poems recalling the pleasures of youthful pursuits; spiritual
verse reflecting the loyalty to Christian values which was
so deeply rooted in the people.
There
are over 70 poems in the collection, each of intrinsic interest
and worthy of inclusion, and some which have a particular
attraction. These include some familiar items, such as John
MacLeod's “An t-Eilean a Tuath” , John Maclennan's “Fadachd
an t-Seòladair” and George Morrison's humorous and
telling commentaries on local events and customs and on bureaucratic
institutions in a wider context. Others, perhaps less well
known generally, are especially worthy of a place in such
an anthology – for example, the works of Murdo D. MacDonald,
who left 37 North Tolsta for Canada at the age of 3 years
and never returned but whose compositions would suggest that
he had spent all his days in the village of his birth; Margaret
Ann Mackay's poems ,which display such an intimate, detailed
knowledge of local homes, people and customs; the spiritual
verse composed in compelling, challenging style by Coinneach
Mhurchaidh Bhuidhe.
The
North Tolsta Historical Society deserves much credit for its
sustained efforts to preserve and disseminate the poetic tradition
of the district as well as for its continuing commitment to
the regular publication of “Seanchas”, its excellent quarterly
magazine. “Clachan Crìche” will undoubtedly appeal
to North Tolsta folk, whether living locally or elsewhere.
It can also be assured of a warm reception within the general
Gaelic community.
M.McL.
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