Love and Music will Endure

A novel based on the life of Màiri Mhòr nan Òran

by Liz Macrae Shaw

Màiri Mhòr, poet and political campaigner was born into a crofting family in nineteenth century Skye.

Her powerful voice was only unleashed in middle age when she was falsely accused of theft. She poured her rage and despair into songs about the plight of her fellow Highlanders who were being driven from their homes. Through force of character she overcame the barriers of background, class and gender to become their champion and inspiration. Finally she had to face up to the failures of the campaign for crofters' rights and the disillusionment of the returning exile.

So her life reflected the truth of the Gaelic proverb, which translates as 'When the world comes to an end only love and music will endure'.

Published: 2013