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Ewan MacLeod felt a rush of anticipation as he approached the grand Music Hall in the heart of Inverness, the Highland Capital. The cool evening air was alive with the stirring sounds of the piobaireachd, the ancient and haunting music of the Highland bagpipes. Three pipers, resplendent in their tartans, marched proudly at the entrance, their music a siren call that lured passers-by into the hall. Ewan couldn’t help but smile as he heard the commanding strains of the premier piper of Inverness and his students. Their loyalty to the Society and the occasion was clear in every note they played.
As Ewan stepped inside the hall, he was immediately struck by the significance of the event. This was not just any gathering—it was the first annual assembly of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, an event that had been eagerly anticipated by many. The hall was filled with people from all walks of life, united by a common bond: a love for the language, music, and traditions of the Highlands. Ewan found himself a seat just as Provost Mackenzie began his opening remarks, apologizing for the absence of Sir Kenneth Mackenzie, who had been unable to attend. Despite this, the Provost’s warm and inclusive words set the tone for the evening. |
GAELIC SOCIETY OF INVERNESS 367.94121 First annual assembly of the Gaelic Society of Inverness on Thursday, 11th July, 1872. - Inverness: Gaelic Society, 1872. - 3p.; 20cm. - bound with: Inverness, Ross and Nairn Club. 7th annual report. Edinburgh, 1872. FM708 1. [491.63]
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The entertainment began with a Gaelic song by Mr. D. Macrae, whose voice filled the hall with a melody that seemed to capture the essence of the Highlands. The song was followed by a rousing performance of “The Stern Scottish Hielans” in Scots, delivered with vigour by Mr. James Fraser. The audience responded with hearty applause; their spirits lifted by the familiar tunes. As the evening progressed, the programme offered a rich tapestry of Gaelic culture. The Reel of Tulloch was danced with precision and energy by four performers, their movements a testament to the enduring vitality of Highland traditions. Mr. Macdonald, the Society’s bard, then captivated the audience with a Gaelic recitation, his words resonating with the deep history of the people.
One of the highlights for Ewan was a Gaelic song performed by the Misses Mackintosh. Their voices, though youthful and perhaps a bit tentative, were filled with a sweet, natural beauty. The audience, many of whom had never heard Gaelic sung on a public stage, responded with an appreciation that transcended language barriers. The evening’s crowning moment came with the singing of the National Anthem, newly translated into Gaelic by Mr. Macdonald. The anthem, sung with passion and pride, stirred something deep within Ewan. As the final notes echoed through the hall, the audience erupted into applause, a collective expression of pride and unity.
As the evening ended, Ewan found himself reluctant to leave the warm, communal atmosphere of the Music Hall. The event had been more than just a gathering; it had been a reaffirmation of identity, a celebration of the ties that bound the sons and daughters of the Gael, both at home and abroad. Ewan knew he had been part of something special, a night that would be remembered for years to come. The success of the night was undeniable, and as Ewan joined in the final round of applause, he knew that this was only the beginning. The Gaelic Society of Inverness had firmly established itself, and its future gatherings would only grow in strength and significance.
One of the highlights for Ewan was a Gaelic song performed by the Misses Mackintosh. Their voices, though youthful and perhaps a bit tentative, were filled with a sweet, natural beauty. The audience, many of whom had never heard Gaelic sung on a public stage, responded with an appreciation that transcended language barriers. The evening’s crowning moment came with the singing of the National Anthem, newly translated into Gaelic by Mr. Macdonald. The anthem, sung with passion and pride, stirred something deep within Ewan. As the final notes echoed through the hall, the audience erupted into applause, a collective expression of pride and unity.
As the evening ended, Ewan found himself reluctant to leave the warm, communal atmosphere of the Music Hall. The event had been more than just a gathering; it had been a reaffirmation of identity, a celebration of the ties that bound the sons and daughters of the Gael, both at home and abroad. Ewan knew he had been part of something special, a night that would be remembered for years to come. The success of the night was undeniable, and as Ewan joined in the final round of applause, he knew that this was only the beginning. The Gaelic Society of Inverness had firmly established itself, and its future gatherings would only grow in strength and significance.
Union Street, Inverness.
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The Gaelic Society of Inverness was established in 1871 for the purpose of cultivating the language, poetry and music of the Scottish Highlands and generally furthering the interests of the Gaelic-speaking people.
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NotesThis fictionalised story from the perspective of one of the attendees to the event was inspired the programme for the event, which features in the Charles Fraser Mackintosh collection in Inverness Library. It also interprets the write up which appeared two days later in the Saturday Inverness Advertiser Wool Market Circular - July 13, 1872 (below). In the same newspaper the following year, they reported that ‘The second annual assembly of the Gaelic Society of Inverness was held on Thursday in the Music Hall and passed off with all the brilliancy and success which characterised the gathering of last year, both as regards attendance and excellence of the programme’. Saturday Inverness Advertiser - July 12, 1873. Both articles were sourced from the British Newspaper Archive (BNA). |
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Transcription of the article: Saturday Inverness Advertiser Wool Market Circular - July 13, 1872 (BNA)
This re-union of Celts took place on Thursday evening in the Music Hall, of the Highland Capital, amid sounds of piobaireuchd and other educts of Gaelic genius. That there was something unusually, if not intensely, racy of the land of the heather about to be celebrated in the Music Hall, the most casual passer-by would be gather from the fact that three elegantly decked pipers were to be seen, as well as heard, playing backward and forward in the main entrance, and there can be little doubt that a goodly number of those who occupied the hall must have been attracted and persuaded thereto by the commanding strains of the premier piper of Inverness and his pupils, whose joint services, we understand, were loyally given to the Society for the occasion. It may be as well, [?] we enter the place of assembly, to mention for the edification of those who require to be so informed, that the objects of the Society, briefly stated, are “to promote the study of Gaelic literature and antiquities; generally, to forward the interests of Highlanders; and to form a bond of union among the sons of the Gael at home and abroad.” But, as may be seen from the programme of last evening’s proceedings, this Celtic union neither opposes nor ignores Saxon claims, interests, or sentiments. There may have been present in the minds of those who framed the constitution of the Society a feeling of impatience, if not of resentment, at the tendency even in the chief town of the Highlands to place the Saxon element above the Celtic, as if the former were the rising, and latter inevitably the setting sun, in the firmament of races, but most certainly there was no attempt at retaliation in getting up the first assembly, for if we are greeted (or if the fastidious will it, scared) by the sounds of the pipes as we enter, we are addressed from the chair – which was occupied by Provost Mackenzie – in perfectly unexceptionable English. The Chairman was supported by Professor Blackie; R. Carruthers, LL.D.; Colonel Macpherson, Cluny; Sheriff Macdonald, late of Stornoway; Bailie Simpson, Inverness; Alex, Dallas, Esq., Town-Clerk, do.; Rev. Mr Macgregor, Inverness; Rev. Mr Stewart, Nether-Lochaber; F. Macdonald, Esq, Druidag; Mr Cumming, Allanfearn, &c. |
Dr George Mackenzie, Provost of Inverness 1867-73, who presided over the inauguration event. Picture courtesy of Am Baile.
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Sir Kenneth Smith Mackenzie, 6th Baronet of Gairloch. Born on 25 May 1832, he was Convener of the Commissioners of Supply and of Ross-shire County Council, as well as Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty. In 1860 he married the second daughter of W.F Campbell of Islay. He was a strong supporter of the Gaelic cause and his uncle was George Mackenzie, Provost of Inverness. Mary MacKellar wrote a Gaelic song for him 'Oran don Ridire Coinneach Mac Coinnich triath Ghearrloch' (A song for Sir Kenneth MacKenzie, Chief of Gairloch) which appeared in the Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness (Vol XI, 1884-5, p.96.). Picture courtesy of Am Baile. |
The Provost, in opening the proceedings, expressed regret at the unavoidable absence of his nephew, Sir Kenneth S. Mackenzie, of Gairloch, who had agreed to preside. There were a good many “cia ma tha sibh nochd", and “failte dhuibh,” among the convivialists, but on the other hand, it is to be regretted that the picturesque garb of Old Gaul was anything but in the ascendant. The Saxon in Saxon broad-cloth and the Celt in pantaloons went abundantly to show that no successful attempt had been made to restore the costume so graphically described and pathetically lamented by Donnachadh Ban. Some who ambitioned to join the society were relieved to find that wearing the kilt had not been imposed as a condition of membership. So far, the Saxon had his own way.
Then, the first song of the evening was commended and excellently rendered by Mr D. Macrae, “Nighneag a Chuil duinn,” in the purest Gaelic. This was followed by one in good broad Scotch, preserving the spirit and key note of the proceedings, by being in praise of “The Stern Scottish Hielans.” Mr James Fraser, who sung the song so well, received an encore, to which he responded in fine taste with “When the Kye come hame.” The next item was the well known reel of Tulloch – danced by four practised “hands,” we were about to say—danced, however, in good taste and spirit. This was an admirable arrangement on the part of the society, at this season—having the dancing done by proxy, and done, no doubt, all the more perfectly, the performers having been selected with an eye to their fitness for their task. his was followed by a recitation in Gaelic by Mr Macdonald, a well-known adept in Gaelic prose and verse, original or select. It should be noted that Mr Macdonald occupies the position of bard to the society. After this appeal in the vernacular, came a selection of Scotch airs by Mr C. S. Grant, who, without any of the apparently dexterous execution of crack violinists, discoursed most touching strains of genuine Scottish music, to which Celt and Saxon could with equal right lay claim. Then came the racy correspondent of our local contemporary, the Courier, all the way from Nether-Lochaber, to case in his contribution of ancient lore, and Gaelic philology. |
Courtesy of National Library of Scotland.
Mr Stewart, though himself a master of the tongue in which Ossian sang, was content to conform to the programme, by making his speech in English. It is scarcely necessary to say that our Nether-Lochaber friend with greeted with a hearty cheer on rising to speak, and on resuming his seat. This was followed by a Gaelic song from the Misses Mackintosh and Mr W. Mackay. This was quite a striking feature of the proceedings. We have any number of female songsters in English, in French, in Italian, and even in German; but we do not know if any one present had ever before listened to a Gaelic songstress on a public platform. The Misses Mackintosh deserved well the thanks which they received for coming forward as they did. We are aware that they laboured under the very great disadvantage of this being their very first [?] of this kind, and of not having had adequate time for practice. Even to English ears the strains were sweet, and the words themselves musical in a high degree. No doubt, it is contended by the Gael that his language is more amendable to the behests of song than the more sibilant tongue of the Saxon; but the Saxon required the suricular proof afforded last evening to enable him to regard the Celtic “contention” as anything more than a very excusable conceit. “Ho, my lovely Mary!” the song in question, was given in English as well, affording some idea no doubt of the correctness or otherwise of what we have just been referring to, as well as of the poetry and sentiment of the original composition. Mr. D. C. Taylor followed, with “Prince Charlie’s Farewell to Flora Macdonald,” of the execution of which it is enough to say that the vocalist sustained his well-earned reputation. Perhaps the transition from a royal lament for the heroic Flora Macdonald to a dance over naked swords was rather sudden. It almost looks as if an intermediate part, brining the mind more gradually from the mournful to the boisterous, had dropped out of the programme. But is was not so. However, the incongruity, if felt, was soon forgotten, under the influence of the “poetry of motion,” discoursed over the shining Ferraras by Mr A. Mackintosh, champion dancer of “our own town,” which brought the first part of the proceedings to a close.
The next part, which consisted of a service of fruit, was of course participated in by the whole assembly. Stewards were told off for the work of distribution, and the noise incident thereto was drowned by the loud strains of the pipes, the pipers marching to and fro on the platform of the Hall. To Highlands hearts there are few living public men more dear than the brilliant and versatile Professor of Greek in the Edinburgh University; and loud and cordial were the plaudits with which, accordingly, the learned and eloquent friend of the Gael, Professor Blackie, was greeted on presenting himself. His speech was short, pithy, discursive, and eloquent.
The next part, which consisted of a service of fruit, was of course participated in by the whole assembly. Stewards were told off for the work of distribution, and the noise incident thereto was drowned by the loud strains of the pipes, the pipers marching to and fro on the platform of the Hall. To Highlands hearts there are few living public men more dear than the brilliant and versatile Professor of Greek in the Edinburgh University; and loud and cordial were the plaudits with which, accordingly, the learned and eloquent friend of the Gael, Professor Blackie, was greeted on presenting himself. His speech was short, pithy, discursive, and eloquent.
Reverend Alexander MacGregor, Minister of the West Church, Inverness, who gave the address. Picture courtesy of Am Baile.
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We must hurry over the remainder of the proceedings, by simply mentioning that the Professor’s address was followed by a selection of airs on the pianoforte, by Miss Mackintosh, then by a choice specimen of Duncan Ban Macintyre’s songs – his last farewell to the hills—given by Mr Stewart; the Highland fling, by four full dressed Highlanders; “The March of the Cameron Men,” by Mr James Fraser. These were followed by what is universally regarded as a speciality, a Gaelic address, by the genuine Celt, Mr Macgregor of the West Church. It is unnecessary to say that the rev. gentleman entered heartily into the spirit, as well as words of his discourse, and that he was warmly applauded. A song in Gaelic was sung by Miss Mackay, Mr. W. Mackay, and Mr Mackintosh, whose execution was both admirable and acceptable; “My Nannie’s Awa,”, by Mr R Munro; “Hector’s Journey to Paisley,” in Gaelic, by Mr W. G. Stewart; and “Come o’er the Stream Charlie,” by Mr David Taylor. The next, the National Anthem in Gaelic, deserves more than mere mention. It was only at a late hour on a recent evening that Mr Macdonald, the Bard of the Society, undertook to render the anthem in Gaelic, but ere the morning’s sun had dispelled the mists of the night from the surrounding hills, the National Anthem was ready, translated and harmonised in Gaelic, as it was sung last night, with such thorough success. It may be said that the translator steeped himself in all the benign and sublime influences which may be said to haunt the banks of the Ness and the vicinity of the Highland hills, and under the consequent inspiration, produced a translation in every respect worthy of the great original. It only remains to add that as accompanist to the vocalists, Mr C. H. Moine, discharged the duty with his wonted acceptance and ability.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, Mr Dallas proposed a vote of thanks to the singers and musicians, which was heartily awarded; and Dr Carruthers proposed a similar compliment to the gentlemen who had favoured them with addresses. Professor Blackie acknowledged the compliment in a few words, and proposed a special vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was cordially responded to. The National Anthem in Gaelic, as already stated, having been sung, the pleasant company broke up. |
We may be allowed to congratulate the members of the Gaelic Society of Inverness on the great success which has attended this, their first annual gathering. It is pleasant to think of the rapid progress and success of the society, in the face of much discouragement and difficulties, especially at the outset. When the society itself was first mooted at a meeting of the Inverness Literary Institute, the suggestion received anything by favourable approval or sympathy. Happily, however, the parties who moved in the matter determined to persevere, and we have good reason to congratulate ourselves that their views were first publicly ventilated in the column of the Advertiser. The results have thoroughly realised the most sanguine expectations of all concerned, and we trust the society and its annual re-unions will continue more successful year after year.
