Revisiting ‘Aoir air Pàdraig Sellar’ (‘A Satire on Patrick Sellar’) by Dòmhnall Bàillidh

Kidd, S. M. (2023) Revisiting ‘Aoir air Pàdraig Sellar’ (‘A Satire on Patrick Sellar’) by Dòmhnall Bàillidh. Aiste, 6, pp. 109-128.

Abstract

This article focuses on Dòmhnall Bàillidh’s Gaelic song ‘Aoir air Pàdraig Sellar’, a satire frequently drawn upon in discussions of the clearances in Sutherland. A version of this song was published in Canada in 1890 and it is upon this that all scholarly discussion to date has been based. However, an earlier, and in places significantly different, version of the song was published in the Oban Times in 1882. Thus, reconsideration of this song is offered here by means of a new edition and discussion of the hitherto unconsidered earlier version, alongside comparison between all known early sources. The different perspectives offered by the 1882 version include the poet’s specific mention of the agricultural changes introduced by Sellar and those working with him and the added emphasis that is placed on these men being incomers.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Pàdraig Sellar, Patrick Sellar, satire, Gaelic song, Highlands, clearances, Canada, nineteenth century.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kidd, Dr Sheila
• Authors: Kidd, S. M.
• Subjects: P Language and Literature > PB Modern European Languages > PB1501 Scottish Gaelic Language
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Celtic and Gaelic
• Journal Name: Aiste
• Publisher: Ceiltis is Gàidhlig, Oilthigh Ghlaschu
• Published Online: 06 November 2023

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