In his ongoing series of stories and conversations about Bonnie Prince Charlie Tommy Macdonald sat down with Paul Mc Callum from North Glendale in South Uist recently, for a yarn or two and a song.
The prime focus of attention was on Macdonald of Boisdale – “Alasdair Mòr nam Mart” – held to have given honest advice to the Prince, but whose own reputation was not high amongst local people.
Paul explains why in English here, and goes on to discuss different poetical accounts of the times and how some might be more reliable than others.
Conversation in English:
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Cluinnear an dithis a’ deasbad an seo sa Ghàidhlig, ach le sgeul no dhà a bharrachd air an cur ris na chualas sa Bheurla.
Còmhradh sa Ghàidhlig:
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Paul has a fund of local tales, but is probably even better known as a singer of remarkable talent. Underlining his own feelings on the events in question, the session finished with this beautiful rendition of Mo Rùn Geal Òg, attributed to Christina Chisholm, widowed at Culloden.
Gaelic song:
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