Mary MacDougal Macdonald


1789 - 1872

Gaelic hymn-writer and poet. Born at Brolass on Mull, Macdonald was the daughter of a clergyman. She lived on a croft at Ardtun and spoke only Gaelic. She is remembered for the hymn Leanabh an àigh (Child in a Manger) set to the traditional Gaelic melody known as Bunessan. This hymn was translated into English by Lachlan Macbean for his Songs and Hymns of the Gael (1888). She is remembered by a roadside monument near Ardtun.


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