A sweet singer, an ardent lover of nature; an earnest christian teacher; a most lovable man.
"An excellent present for a learner or Gaelic-speaking friend"
John "Iain" Campbell, The Ledaig Bard, (1823 - 1897) born in Oban, Argyll, raised in Benderloch.
An enthusiastic Bard of Clan Campbell, he co-founded An Comunn Gaidhealach and the Mod.
A prolific writer of Gaelic poems and songs, the Bard had a typical Celtic spirit with a genial, hospitable personality that won him a countrywide circle of friends. He received many honours, including Fellowships of Celtic, Scientific and Literary Societies.
He spent some time in Glasgow where he developed a profoundly Christian character, before returning to his roots. Opening a small store, running the Post Office and acting as sub-inspector of the poor kept him busy and involved with the community. An Associate of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, his general love of nature found expression in growing flowers, fruit and vegetables to send to Oban. Campbell Munro, his great grandson still runs the local shop.
His image endures as the beloved Sunday School teacher and poet with the flowing, white beard who taught the children in a rocky grotto by the seashore. A tree trunk associated with Robert the Bruce's parliament at Ardchattan Priory served as his table. The Campbell Memorial Hall was built in his honour.
The Bard was a man for all people, from the poorest and humblest to the educated and aristocratic, treating them all with a patriarchal, Christian, Celtic equanimity.
"Thig crioch air an t-saoghal, ach mairidh gaol is ceol"
"The world will come to an end but love and song are eternal".
Gaelic Poems was originally published in 1884. The author's royalties from this edition will go to Mod funds, continuing Iain's life's work of supporting his native language.
AN GAIDHEAL AN TIR CHEIN A' MOLADH TIR A DHUTHCHAIS.
air fonn -" Guidheam slainte do'n ribhinn mhalda ".
Nan creagan corrach, 's 'nan lochan dùghorm.
'S an doire challtuinn gu teann 'g an dùnadh.
Mar gu 'm b'e h-iarrtus an cumail blàth.
'S an cath na chuartaig 'g sguab' do'n speur.
'Sa dh' fhàgadh sunndach mo chridhe trom.
'Thoirt sùil am dhèigh a dh' fheuch cò "bhiodh ann.
Am fiodh is luachmhor' am measg nan crann.
'S gu bràth nach d'fhailnich an là an fheum.
Fhad 's ruitheadh deur de fhuil réidh n' an crìdh'.
Bu ro mhath thàthadh ar gradh r' a cheil'.
Thug teachdair dìleas na firinn dhuinn.
'N uair bhiodh mo shùillean ga'n dùnadh teann.
Gu ceann ar crìche nach dealaich ruinn.
THE GAEL IN A FOREIGN LAND.
Thy dark frowning cliffs and thy glory of Bens !
Through thick copse of hazel are wimpling their way.
To bind its grey ruin and keep its heart warm.
They lift their white crests in grim face of the sky.
And fill me despairing, with words of good cheer.
Was the land of my love which I left with a tear.
The pith is the soundest, the wood is the best !
Whose help never failed in the hour of our need.
Till they shed from their veins the last drop of their blood.
That sweetens their sorrows, and lightens their toil !
The words I take with me from lips of the wise.
And a cairn of grey granite be piled on my head !
My blessing be with you, brave land and brave people !
Be blurred with dishonour, or blotted with shame.
FAILTE A GHAIDHAIL DO 'N BHANN PRIUNNSA.
Noise Cancelling Earbuds site If you use i-phones etc with earbuds this site has useful information.