REFLECTIONS of Gravir childhood and Glesca adulthood

This is a charming and valuable collection of songs, poems and short articles in both Gaelic and English by the late William MacPhail (1886 – 1973), known as ‘Clach Oich’ of Gravir, South Lochs, Lewis, originally published by his daughter Ishbel MacPhail in 2006.

It includes original Gaelic and English poetry inspired by his upbringing in rural Lewis at a time when road transport in South Lochs was in its infancy and many people still lived in traditional ‘black-houses’.

There are also vivid descriptions of urban Glasgow where, like many islanders, he spent many years; and places such as Glencoe, the traumatic history of which made a big impact on the poet.

The collection includes Gaelic versions of well-known songs originally written in Scots or English such as ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ by Robert Burns, and English compositions of well-known Gaelic songs such as ‘An Ataireachd Ard’ by Lewis schoolteacher Donald Maciver.

Altogether this attractive booklet gives a fascinating insight into a bygone era and the life of a talented native Gaelic-speaking ‘village bard’ in a format also accessible to Gaelic learners and non-Gaelic speakers.

Published: 2006

Author: William MacPhail (‘Clach Oich’)