Meg Bateman
Appeared: 11 June
Meg Bateman was born in Edinburgh in 1959 and lectures at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands in the Isle of Skye. Her teaching and research interests are in literature, philosophy, language, art and in Gaelic mythology providing an alternative to Western idealism. She learned Gaelic in South Uist and Aberdeen University where she also taught for many years. She has been widely anthologised, for example in The Penguin Book of Scottish Verse (2000) and The Penguin Book of Poetry from Britain and Ireland since 1945 (1998). Her poetry collections are Òrain Ghaoil/Amhráin Ghrá (1989), Aotromachd/ Lightness (1997), Soirbheas/ Fair Wind (2007) and Transparencies (2013). She has also co-edited and translated five anthologies of historical Gaelic verse, of the 17th and 19th centuries and of the medieval period, of religious material and by women.
Appeared: 11 June
Meg Bateman was born in Edinburgh in 1959 and lectures at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands in the Isle of Skye. Her teaching and research interests are in literature, philosophy, language, art and in Gaelic mythology providing an alternative to Western idealism. She learned Gaelic in South Uist and Aberdeen University where she also taught for many years. She has been widely anthologised, for example in The Penguin Book of Scottish Verse (2000) and The Penguin Book of Poetry from Britain and Ireland since 1945 (1998). Her poetry collections are Òrain Ghaoil/Amhráin Ghrá (1989), Aotromachd/ Lightness (1997), Soirbheas/ Fair Wind (2007) and Transparencies (2013). She has also co-edited and translated five anthologies of historical Gaelic verse, of the 17th and 19th centuries and of the medieval period, of religious material and by women.
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Meg Bateman tells us about the place of poetry and song in Gaelic life and literature.
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Independent Bookshop Spotlight on...
Beltie Books and Cafe
6 Bank Street
Wigtown DG8 9HP
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 01988402730
Website: http://www.beltiebooks.co.uk/beltiebooks/welcome.html
Books. Coffee and Tea. Cake. Snacks. Art. What more could you want? An ecclectic mixture of books, and a mine on information about Covenanters, Queen of the South, Gaelic and all things Scottish. Spacious airy cafè, to relax and read or chat, with art exhibited. Cooking on the premises and a warm welcome. Enjoy sitting in the garden too, if weather permits. Dogs welcome. Beltie Books is currently closed due to the lockdown.
Meg says, 'I mentioned Beltie Books because the owner, Andrew Wilson, has an interest in Gaelic and runs Gaelic events there which seems so brave. The names ‘Wigtown’ and ‘Galloway’ of course come from Gaelic, which only died out there finally in the 18th century, but that is forgotten now. The area was very much a stepping stone between Ireland and Scotland and brimming with connections to the early Gaelic saints.'
Andrew of Beltie Books says, 'Tha mi mòiteal a bhith ainmichte le Meg Bateman. ’S e sàr bhàrd a th’innte, sgrìobhadair air leth ealanta i fèin, agus ise loma-lan le eòlas air an cuspair bàrdachd Gàidhlig. Mìle taing dhith, le faclan a thuirt i, agus an sgrìobhadh agus an obair a tha i a dèanamh (I am honoured to be named by Meg Bateman. she is an excellent poet, and elegant writer herself, and full of knowledge on the subject of Gaelic poetry. Big thanks to her, for what she said, and the writing and work she does).'
6 Bank Street
Wigtown DG8 9HP
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 01988402730
Website: http://www.beltiebooks.co.uk/beltiebooks/welcome.html
Books. Coffee and Tea. Cake. Snacks. Art. What more could you want? An ecclectic mixture of books, and a mine on information about Covenanters, Queen of the South, Gaelic and all things Scottish. Spacious airy cafè, to relax and read or chat, with art exhibited. Cooking on the premises and a warm welcome. Enjoy sitting in the garden too, if weather permits. Dogs welcome. Beltie Books is currently closed due to the lockdown.
Meg says, 'I mentioned Beltie Books because the owner, Andrew Wilson, has an interest in Gaelic and runs Gaelic events there which seems so brave. The names ‘Wigtown’ and ‘Galloway’ of course come from Gaelic, which only died out there finally in the 18th century, but that is forgotten now. The area was very much a stepping stone between Ireland and Scotland and brimming with connections to the early Gaelic saints.'
Andrew of Beltie Books says, 'Tha mi mòiteal a bhith ainmichte le Meg Bateman. ’S e sàr bhàrd a th’innte, sgrìobhadair air leth ealanta i fèin, agus ise loma-lan le eòlas air an cuspair bàrdachd Gàidhlig. Mìle taing dhith, le faclan a thuirt i, agus an sgrìobhadh agus an obair a tha i a dèanamh (I am honoured to be named by Meg Bateman. she is an excellent poet, and elegant writer herself, and full of knowledge on the subject of Gaelic poetry. Big thanks to her, for what she said, and the writing and work she does).'
Theatre spotlight on...
Theatre Workshop
34 Hamilton Place,
Edinburgh EH3 5AX
Telephone: 0131 225 7942
Friendly and intimate theatre with adjoining cafe based down in Stockbridge. As its name suggests, Theatre Workshop productions lean towards issues-based work, with a reputation for excellent community plays, alternative Christmas plays (sometimes involving huge casts) and work with disabled actors. The 155-capacity theatre is well kitted out, with recently refurbished cafe and box office.
Meg says, 'I remember seeing Kantor’s ‘The Dead Class’ in Theatre Workshop in Stockbridge in Edinburgh. It was 1976. I’ve never seen it since but it remains the most astounding theatrical experience of my life, with mannequins representing the generation of Polish Jews in their youth who were going to be killed, and the actors representing the old people they never became.'
34 Hamilton Place,
Edinburgh EH3 5AX
Telephone: 0131 225 7942
Friendly and intimate theatre with adjoining cafe based down in Stockbridge. As its name suggests, Theatre Workshop productions lean towards issues-based work, with a reputation for excellent community plays, alternative Christmas plays (sometimes involving huge casts) and work with disabled actors. The 155-capacity theatre is well kitted out, with recently refurbished cafe and box office.
Meg says, 'I remember seeing Kantor’s ‘The Dead Class’ in Theatre Workshop in Stockbridge in Edinburgh. It was 1976. I’ve never seen it since but it remains the most astounding theatrical experience of my life, with mannequins representing the generation of Polish Jews in their youth who were going to be killed, and the actors representing the old people they never became.'
Library spotlight on...
Innerpeffray Library
Innerpeffray, By Crieff
Perthshire PH7 3RF
Telephone: 01764 652819
Email: [email protected]
Scotland’s first free public lending library founded in 1680, Innerpeffray Library was used by people from the local community until 1968. Today you can still read the rare books in its diverse collection and trace the families who took the time to cross the fields in pursuit of knowledge, education or just fun.
Coronavirus Update: the Library is temporarily closed until advised it is safe to reopen. The Library will continue to respond to research requests, shop purchases and please check the website for news and online activities.
Meg says, 'Innerpeffray Library was the first, free lending-library in Scotland. It was set up by David Drummond in 1690, and continued to lend to the public till 1968. Drummond had been a Royalist soldier in the Montrose Wars and had done his share of killing, but towards the end of his life, he set up the library and a school, believing in the power of education to reduce bloodshed. Today perhaps we have too many books, and they are sold by the metre as a commodity, but this library reminds me of urgency of reading. Besides, it is in a most beautiful spot in St Mary’s graveyard by the River Earn.'
Supporting Innerpeffray during lockdown:
Explore their collection by watching theirr armchair Tours with the Keeper, free of charge via this link.
Make a donation here or byuy something from their shop.
Dr James Grant, Chairman of Governors, says, 'Innerpeffray has been inspiring people for 340 years, we are honoured that Meg Bateman is one of those who value this special place.'
Innerpeffray, By Crieff
Perthshire PH7 3RF
Telephone: 01764 652819
Email: [email protected]
Scotland’s first free public lending library founded in 1680, Innerpeffray Library was used by people from the local community until 1968. Today you can still read the rare books in its diverse collection and trace the families who took the time to cross the fields in pursuit of knowledge, education or just fun.
Coronavirus Update: the Library is temporarily closed until advised it is safe to reopen. The Library will continue to respond to research requests, shop purchases and please check the website for news and online activities.
Meg says, 'Innerpeffray Library was the first, free lending-library in Scotland. It was set up by David Drummond in 1690, and continued to lend to the public till 1968. Drummond had been a Royalist soldier in the Montrose Wars and had done his share of killing, but towards the end of his life, he set up the library and a school, believing in the power of education to reduce bloodshed. Today perhaps we have too many books, and they are sold by the metre as a commodity, but this library reminds me of urgency of reading. Besides, it is in a most beautiful spot in St Mary’s graveyard by the River Earn.'
Supporting Innerpeffray during lockdown:
Explore their collection by watching theirr armchair Tours with the Keeper, free of charge via this link.
Make a donation here or byuy something from their shop.
Dr James Grant, Chairman of Governors, says, 'Innerpeffray has been inspiring people for 340 years, we are honoured that Meg Bateman is one of those who value this special place.'