Sorley Maclean HRSA
Maclean was a Scottish poet whose writing contributed significantly to Gaelic literature in the twentieth century. Maclean was born and raised on the island of Raasay, where his family and the local community were immersed in Gaelic language and culture; particularly in traditional song. In 1929, Maclean began studying English literature at the University of Edinburgh. The choice to study English over Celtic Studies was made by Maclean due to economic pressure, a decision which he vocalised regretting.
Following his education, Maclean worked as a teacher on the Isles of Skye and Mull, as well as Edinburgh. His dismay at the rise of fascism across Europe intersected with his concerns for the survival of Gaelic language. Maclean was then called to fight during the Second World War in 1940, and after being wounded in North Africa he returned to Edinburgh in 1942. Maclean’s experience during the war would shape his literature during this period, and his poetry challenged both the moral perception of courage, as well as traditional Gaelic glorifications of heroism, after seeing the consequences of these attributes.
Maclean returned to teaching and continued to expand his body of literature. Outside of the classroom, Maclean was involved in the political and literary circle of writers within Edinburgh, alongside Iain Crichton Smith and George Mackay Brown, and their circle would often congregate in the pubs of Rose Street to discuss recent politics.
Alongside fellow poets and writers, Maclean’s writing helped spark a Gaelic renaissance in Scottish literature. Both personal and political themes were explored, with strong Modernist influence, combining traditional Gaelic culture, identity and landscape motifs with explorations of war, love and moral conflict. Rhythmic patterns were a vital source of meaning for much of Maclean’s poetry; often utilising older Gaelic forms of metre, Maclean’s poetry had a sensuous, lyrical atmosphere. His blending of traditional lyricism, political discussion, historical allusions created an innovative form of Scottish poetry that served as a vessel for modern identity.
Maclean was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1996.
