Mary MacLeod


(Mairi nighean Alasdair Ruaidh)

c.1615 - 1705

Influential Gaelic bard. Born in Rodel (South Harris), MacLeod came to Dunvegan Castle (Skye) to nurse the MacLeod of MacLeod family. As was the tradition, she wrote songs and poetic verses in honour and praise of her employer and other clan chiefs of the region, such as the MacDonalds of Sleat, Mackenzies of Applecross and MacLeods of Raasay. Only sixteen of her songs survive.

It is said that MacLeod committed some offence which resulted in her being banished for a time to the Isle of Mull.


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