Seamus Heaney's Visit
On Saturday 5th June, The Sorley Maclean Trust commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Hallaig clearances by welcoming the celebrated Irish poet Seamus Heaney to Raasay. Mr Heaney spent the day in Hallaig, on his first visit to the island and the place which was the subject of one of Sorley MacLean's most well-loved poems. In the evening, a large audience gathered at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig to hear Mr Heaney speak of his admiration for Sorley MacLean (1911-1996) and his works. Mr Heaney received a warm welcome from Sorley's family and the local community and his long-awaited visit to Hallaig left a lasting impression on the Nobel prize-winning poet.
Read an article from The Herald on Seamus Heaney's visit.
Read more information about The Sorley MacLean Trust (PDF 92.9KB).
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| Minister
for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Frank MacAveety MSP meeting Seamus Heaney |
Outside ACC on a beautiful evening | On the boat to Raasay |
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| The poet in Hallaig | Seamus Heaney with Sorley's family | Members
of the audience chatting to the poet |
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Norman
MacDonald starting the evening's programme
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Dr
Angus MacDonald playing
the pipes |
Seamus Heaney reading some of his poetry |
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| Seamus Heaney with Rev Archie Black and Alasdair MacRae from Urras Shomhairle | Delivering the talk | Irish Consul Conor O Riordain, Seamus Heaney, Prof Norman Gillies |