Ebook The Uist Collection

Uist bards. Many of these were scattered through various collections such as Mackenzie's, Stewart's, Ramald Mac donald's, and others, while a considerable number were collected by the Editor in South Uist. It is due to the memory of the late Donald Laing, crofter at Howmore to say, that most of the valuable Mac Codrum poems, for which I am indebted to tradition, were taken down from his recitation, the probability being that many of them would otherwise have died with him. He had few, equals in his day as a reciter of Gaelic poetry. I have also to express my indebtedness for notes, improved readings, as well as some of the poems, to the Rev. R. Macdonald, South Uist, and I have to express similar obligations to another Son of the Uist soil, the Rev A. J. Macdonald, Killearnan, whose Celtic knowledge and enthusiasm were always stimulating and encouraging. I crave the indulgence of Gaelic readers in regard to the many imperfections with which, notwithstanding the assistance of kind friends, the book I fear must abound. It is gratifying to know that by this time a handsome memorial, got up by the Glasgow Uist and Barra Association, and supplied by Mr. Robert Gray, Sculptor, Glasgow, has been placed over the ashes of John Mac Codrum in the old Churchyard of Kilmuir. A fine tone block of this monument.