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|---|---|
.jpg) MacAoidh in December 2024 | |
| Makar | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 2 December 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Kathleen Jamie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1972 Isle of Lewis, Scotland |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow Trinity College, Dublin |
| Occupation | Poet, academic, broadcaster, writer |
Dr Pàdraig MacAoidh (English: Peter Mackay) (born 1972) is a Scottish academic, writer, poet and broadcaster, currently serving as the Makar since 2 December 2024. Appointed by first minister John Swinney, he succeeded Kathleen Jamie in the role, and is the first Makar to write primarily in Scottish Gaelic.
Early life and education
MacAoidh was born in 1972 on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. He previously attended Queen’s University Belfast and Trinity College, Dublin, as well as obtaining a Master of Arts from the University of Glasgow.
Career
Broadcasting
His work in broadcasting is inspired and influenced by the diverse linguistic heritage of the Isle of Lewis where he was born and raised as a child. He has appeared on BBC Alba as a broadcaster.
Academic
MacAoidh, as of December 2024, is currently a Senior Lecturer in Literature at the University of St Andrews. Academically, MacAoidh is considered "an expert" in both Scottish and Irish literature, primarily from 1800 to the present day, and is particularly interested in Scottish Gaelic literature.
Writing and poetry
His published collection of poems include Gu Leòr (2015) and Acair: Nàdur De (2020), as well as a published pamphlet, From Another Island (2010). His poems are written in both the English and Scottish Gaelic language, however, his work is predominately written in Scottish Gaelic. His work have been translated into a number of various languages, primarily in Europe, including French, German and Irish.
In December 2024, he was appointed the Makar, the national poet of Scotland, by first minister John Swinney. Upon his appointment, Swinney stated that he was "very pleased" with the appointment, further claiming that "he has attracted a wide audience, and many accolades, through his originality, playfulness and willingness to take risks with language". Additionally, MacAoidh claimed he was "very grateful to the panel for their faith in me, and to the First Minister for his support, and especially his enthusiasm about a Gaelic poet taking on the role".
His appointment marked the first time that a Scottish Gaelic poet had been appointed to the role of Makar.
References
- "In Conversation with Pàdraig MacAoidh | Peter Mackay". The University of Edinburgh. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- ^ "Lewis-born Gaelic poet Peter Mackay appointed Scotland's Makar". BBC News. 3 December 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- "Scotland appoints Gaelic speaker as national poet | Write Out Loud". www.writeoutloud.net. 6 December 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- Velinger, Jan. "A single overly academic syllable can sink a poem". www.ukforum.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- ^ "Scotland's Makar - Our National Poet". Scottish Poetry Library. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- "BBC Radio nan Gàidheal - Naoi gu Deich, le Cathy NicDhòmhnaill". BBC. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- "In Conversation with Pàdraig MacAoidh | Peter Mackay". The University of Edinburgh. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- "Peter Mackay / Pàdraig MacAoidh". Push the Boat Out. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
External links
- Peter Mackay at the Scottish Poetry Library
| Makar (National Poet for Scotland) | |
|---|---|
|
| Scots makars | |
|---|---|
| c. 1370 – c. 1460 | |
| c. 1460 – c. 1560 | |
| c. 1560 – 17th century | |
| 18th century – 20th century | |
| Makar or National Poet for Scotland (from 2004) | |