Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, has launched Scotland’s first-ever Gaelic Poetry Path. Slighe nam Bàrd will provide a poetic pathway around the Isle of Skye, aiming to introduce local, national, and international visitors to a taste of Gaelic heritage, song, and poetry.
From the 21st of March (World Poetry Day), tourists will be able to collect a free Slighe nam Bàrd – Poetry Paths pamphlet and accompanying map from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, located in Sleat in the Isle of Skye.*
The pamphlet will provide a detailed guide around Skye’s stunning landscape, stopping at seven major locations connected to a Gaelic song or poem. A QR code for each location provides a recording of the poem/song to enable people to listen to the Gaelic audio in the environment that inspired the creative piece.
Abigail Burnyeat, Head of Research at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture: “People often come to Skye for its beautiful scenery, but the aim of Slighe nam Bàrd is to showcase the connection between Gaelic culture and Skye’s mesmerising landscape.
“Through Slighe nam Bàrd, tourists will be able to engage with the landscape whilst listening to Gaelic poems and songs that add to our understanding of the locations on the trail, giving people an opportunity to experience for themselves the Gaelic culture and history at the heart of the Isle of Skye.”
Meg Bateman, Professor in Gaelic Language and Culture at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Bàrd a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: “Slighe nam Bàrd provides a one-day poetic road-trip around the Isle of Skye, allowing people to engage with local Gaelic poetry whilst immersed in the Skye landscape.
“The pathway consists of seven poems/songs, each one carefully chosen to represent a range of locations, centuries, styles, and subjects to give a full flavour of Skye’s poetic Gaelic landscape.
“From Somhairle MacGill-Eain to Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, the pathway will guide people from the south of the island to the very north, discovering Gaelic poetry along the way.”
Chris Taylor, VisitScotland Regional Destination Development Director, said: “Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Poetry Path provides a unique way to tell Skye and Scotland’s story and is an immersive entry-point for visitors to experience the Gaelic language.
“We know that visitors, especially international, think Gaelic enhances their holiday. With that in mind, Slighe nam Bàrd may even inspire them to try out a course at Scotland’s National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture.
“At VisitScotland we recognise that Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s heritage, identity, and culture. It can provide an extra layer to the authentic Scottish experience and to our many visitors.”
The Slighe nam Bàrd project was funded by: the University of the Highlands and Islands KE/ Innovation Challenge Fund.