MacKinnon crowned “Bàrd of the Mòd”
- Famhair / Giant
For the first time in its 100-plus-year history, the Royal National Mòd—an eight-day celebration of Gaelic music, dance, drama, arts and literature held annually in Scotland—has crowned a non-Scot as its poet laureate.
A native of Cape Breton, now of Sackville, Nova Scotia, Gaelic poet and singer Lewis MacKinnon (many Nova Scotia Gaels
know him as Lodaidh MacFhionghain) commenced the three-year post this week in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, during a “crowning” ceremony and poetry recital at the mòd.
Organized by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the world’s oldest and most respected Gaelic organization, the Royal National Mòd (Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail) is a competition-based festival which attracts competitors from Gaelic communities throughout the U.K., Ireland, Australia, Germany, Canada and the U.S. It is considered the biggest event of the Gaelic calendar.
As Bàrd, MacKinnon will be observing and writing his impressions about the events and the people surrounding not only the competitions, but numerous fringe activities as well. Non-competitive fringe activities include ceilidhs, open stage music evenings, street dances, historical exhibitions and even “come and try” musical workshops.
The post of Bàrd is a great honour which is bestowed on an individual who has contributed significantly to the Gaelic literary world and it carries an ambassadorial role for the language and culture.
MacKinnon, Gaelic speaker, singer, poet and author of Famhair/Giant, a book of original Gaelic and English poetry published by CBU Press (2008) is also Director of the Nova Scotia Office of Gaelic Affairs, actively engaged in the language and culture.
CBU Press participated in the Mòd as well. This is the third time the Press has showcased its numerous Celtic-related books and authors in this large Gaelic celebration.