Death of Dr Finlay Macleod, champion of the Gaelic language

Dr Finlay Macleod, a champion for Gaelic education, has died aged 86.

The Lewis man was one of founding fathers of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye, Scotland’s Gaelic college, and, as primary school advisor to the then fledging Comhairle nan Eilean, was strongly committed to the establishment of Gaelic medium education in Western Isles schools since its early days nearly 40 years ago.

Gaelic books and classroom material were very rare and Dr Finlay was deeply involved in the council-led movement to build a network of learning resources for children.

Along with the late Iain Murray, Dr Finlay prompted a willing council to create publishing company, Acair, to fill the gap.

Having secured funding, he was also co-ordinator of the influential feasibility study which laid the groundwork for the empowering Pròiseact Muinntir nan Eilean - Western Isles Community Education Project supported by the Bernard van Leer Foundation.

Many grassroots initiatives were born out of that diligent work, one example being the birth of Comumn Eachdraidh Nis which sparked a wave of similar historical societies popping up across the islands, all regarded as valuable community assets.

Another was the parent-led croileagan or playgroup movement.

Dr Finlay was born in the crofting community of Adabroc in Ness, Lewis, in May 1937, just two years before the outbreak of WW2 when Gaelic was the natural and only language in the home and wider community.

Much to his dislike he was forced to endure English in the classroom at Lionel School.

An academic career was not in his sights as a young man; he quit school and went to sea two years by the age of 17.He later enlisted in the RAF as part of National Service, serendipitously assigned to the radar station in Uig on the west coast of Lewis.

By the time that military stint was over he had resolved to progress with an education, taking up employment as a fireman in London while studying at evening classes.

On gaining a raft of A-levels, he was accepted on a psychology degree course at Aberdeen University, qualifying with honours. After completing a doctorate in the subject he became a lecturer, on campous, spending around a decade living in the city.

He and his wife Norma returned to Lewis, settling in Shawbost near to the local primary school where he had secured a teaching job. A year later he took up a role with the comhairle later to become depute director of education.

He also became involved in Gaelic broadcasting, on radio and TV production.

In 2017, he was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for Gaelic.

At the time, Donald MacLeod of Bòrd na Gàidhlig highlighted how Dr Finlay has been involved from early on in “key developments in Gaelic education, broadcasting, the arts, writing, publishing and much more.

“Dr Finlay has spent a lifetime studying many of the aspects of life in the Western Isles and he has worked tirelessly on a range of initiatives which have contributed to life in Lewis and further afield.

“He is an expert on a wide range of topics including chapels, healing wells, place-names, the Lewis Chessmen, island photography, archaeology, the land struggles and the place of religion and education in communities.

“Over the years Dr Finlay has provided many people with detailed information, advice and, most importantly, encouragement to pursue different projects.

“Dr Finlay and his wife Norma have welcomed many students, journalists and writers to their home where they provide support, guidance and friendship.

“Many individuals and groups have recognised the immense contribution Dr Finlay has made to Gaelic.”

Finaly leaves his wife, Norma, and their daughters, Rachel and Ceit Anna.

Death of Dr Finlay Macleod, a pivotal force for the Gaelic language

6 November 2023

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig