GAELIC BARDS CELEBRATED ON BBC ALBA

As part of The Year of Song on BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, Bàird nan Òran which begins on BBC ALBA tomorrow (Wednesday 7 April), will look at the life and works of some of the most important Gaelic poets and the legacy which they have left.

The first poet featured in the six-part series will be Donald MacIntyre also known as ‘Dòmhnall Ruadh Phàislig’. Donald MacIntyre spent his life in Paisley but his Gaelic poetry ranged across many 20th Century themes. Originally from South Uist, with the richest of vocabulary he created some of the most memorable Gaelic verse of his day.

Future programmes will feature famous Gaelic poets including William Mackenzie from Lewis who is generally recognised as Gaeldom's foremost composer of songs of love and longing, as well as Kenneth MacLeod also from Lewis and Donald MacDonald from North Uist.

BBC ALBA and Radio nan Gàidheal have dedicated 2010 to the ‘Year of Gaelic Song’ with an unparalleled line up of programmes on radio and television featuring a wealth of Gaelic singing talent both from the archives and newly produced programmes.

A dedicated online resource is available at www.bbc.co.uk/alba/oran/en/ offering contextual information about the song writers and performers, song lyrics as well as audio and video of many of the BBC's archive.

‘Bàird nan Òran’ can be seen on BBC ALBA from Wednesday 7 April at 8.30pm.