The work of one of Gaeldom’s greatest scholars and educationalists Professor Donald Meek has been recognised by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the principal public agency responsible for developing Gaelic, and the Scottish Arts Council. Professor Meek is the first recipient of Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s “Sàr Ghàidheal” award for outstanding contributions to the language and “Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek” (The Donald Meek Literary Award) will be a significant addition to the support structures being offered to Gaelic writers.

Professor Meek, who continues to contribute to Gaelic development through work on two of Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s education committees, formally retired from his post as Professor of Scottish and Gaelic Studies at Edinburgh University at the end of 2008.

His distinguished contribution to Gaelic scholarship was recently marked by Aberdeen University which published a 600 page special issue of the journal Scottish Gaelic Studies containing articles by friends and scholars (Caindel Alban : fèill-sgrìobhainn do Dhòmhnall E Meek) as a tribute to his wider academic achievements.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig invited a number of Professor Meek’s friends and colleagues to jointly mark his outstanding contribution to Gaelic at a dinner in the Piping Centre in Glasgow last night (Thursday, May 21). He was presented with his Sàr Ghàidheal award by Annie MacSween, Vice-Chair of the Bòrd. He was also presented with a specially composed musical score “Professor Donald Meek of Tiree” penned by Tiree musician Angus MacPhail.

Rosemary Ward, Acting Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Donald Meek has been a great friend and champion of all things Gaelic and has played a crucial role in many of the Gaelic developments which have come to fruition in recent years and others which are still unfolding. His work on the Ministerial Advisory Group for Gaelic (MAGOG) for the Scottish Executive in 2001-2 eventually led to the establishment of Bòrd na Gàidhlig in 2003. Donald has contributed to a wide range of Gaelic development and particularly in the fields of education over many years. His reputation goes before him and his heroic efforts will undoubtedly leave their mark on Gaelic for generations to come. I am delighted that he has continued to maintain his connections with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and that we will be able to benefit from his wisdom and generosity as we strive to achieve a sustainable future for Gaelic. We wish Donald and his wife Rachel a very happy retirement in Falkirk, Tiree and beyond and hope that his long-cherished skills as a boat-builder and maritime historian will lead to significant other opportunities which will be just as fulfilling.”

The Scottish Arts Council has jointly with Bòrd na Gàidhlig established a new writers award (Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek, the Donald Meek Literary Award) which will be aimed at young writers and scholars. It will be offered under the auspices of Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, the Gaelic Books Council, and further details will be made available shortly. Dr Gavin Wallace, Head of Literature at the Scottish Arts Council said: “This is a significant award to mark Donald’s association with the Books Council which will help support the future success Gaelic writing. It could recognise an outstanding new literary talent, the contribution made by an already established writer or critic, or for significant work of scholarship by an emergent or established academic specialist.”

For further information about the contents of this news release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan on 0751 528 7040.

See also:  www.mygaelic.com