Bliadhna nan ÒranYear of Song

The Panel

Jo Macdonald

Around this time last year BBC Gàidhlig asked Jo Macdonald to select three hundred and thirteen songs for Song for the Day, which would form part of the wider Year of Song project.

How do you select little over three hundred Gaelic songs out of the thousands that are available?

Jo said, "It hasn't been easy, but I made an effort to select songs to represent every area; songs of various kinds, from Òrain Mòr to lullabies and milking songs, epics and spiritual songs, love songs and praise songs, hymns, the odd satirical song, puirt-a-beul, light-hearted humorous songs, songs about the homeland and longing, elegies and laments, songs written by the most famous bards throughout the centuries and songs by sailors and waulking women.

It's hard to believe that the selection is now complete."

Arthur Cormack

Arthur Cormack was born and brought up in the Isle of Skye where he still lives today, in Portree, with his wife, Shona, and their three children, Ruairidh, Eilidh and Iain.

He started singing when he was about eight years old, and won the Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal when he was just 18, the youngest male ever to win this coveted prize.

He has recorded several albums, singing solo and singing with groups such as Mac-talla and Cliar.

Although he sings as often as he possibly can, he has a busy work schedule. As the Chief-Executive Officer of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, he and his co-workers attend around 45 Festivals each year, teaching approximately 13,000 youngsters.

Amongst a number of commitments, he was one of the four co-founders of the Skye-based company Macmeanmna, and for 14 years was the Chairman of Aros Ltd, the company which built and now runs the arts centre in Portree.

He has been the Chairman of Bòrd na Gàidhlig since February 2009 and a member of the Board since its inception in 2003.

Myles Campbell

Myles's father was a Free Church missionary and as a result, he spent his childhood in various places, including the Isle of Skye, Lewis and Inverness-shire.

When he was 16 years old he joined the Merchant Navy and this allowed him to visit many countries around the world. Myles was over 26 years of age before he learned to write in Gaelic (although he could speak and read it with ease), and he was over 30 when he graduated from Edinburgh University and Jordanhill College and subsequently went on to teach Gaelic. He first taught in Tobermory High School in Mull before moving to Gairloch.

Six books of Myles's Poetry have been published to date: Eileanan (1980), Bailtean (1987), A' Càradh an Rathaid (1988), A' Gabhail Ris (1994), Saoghal Ùr (2002) and the newest one, Breac a' Mhuiltein (2007), a collection of his poetry from 1974, including translations into Irish Gaeilge.

As well as poetry, Myles is also known for writing prose and novels for children and teenagers, including Clann a' Phroifeasair (1988) and Iain agus na Drogaichean (1993).

He has been awarded many literary prizes, and his writings are recognised both in Scotland and internationally. He was awarded the Comunn Gaidhealach Bardic Crown in 2002 and was the Writer in Residence at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for 2008.

Myles officially retired in 2005, but is still writing and teaching. He lives in the Isle of Skye.

Morag Macleod

It is doubtful whether a singer with an interest in Gaelic song exists who isn't familiiar with Morag Macleod from Scalpay in Harris.

Born on 12 October, 1936, she attended school in Scalpay and then on to Inverness Royal Academy. Although she graduated fron Edinburgh University in 1963, and although she qualified from Jordanhill College as both a Gaelic and Primary-school teacher, she is best known for her work at the School of Scottish Studies, in Edinburgh, work which has made her extremely knowledgable about songs, history and heritage.

She began working at the School in 1962 and apart from nine months spent teaching at Jordanhill College in 19745/75 and three years working on the Van Leer Community Project in the Western Isles, it was there she spent her working days until her retirement.

Morag has been instrumental in providing information on songs and heritage to people outwith the university, from teaching at summer schools and during many weekends in many different places. She has given many lectures at Mods and Festivals and has had articles published several books and publications.

She has helped and supported many singers throughout the years - whether they wanted to learn a particular song, take part in a competition, or record an album.

Although Morag has now retired from the School, she is far from idle. She has returned to Scalpay and is involved in many community initiatives.