Biography

The words to the song A Mhàiri Bhòidheach 's a Mhàiri Ghaolach can be found in the book Co-chruinneachadh Taoghta de Shaothair nam Bard Gaelach, a collection of songs by two brothers, Alexander and Donald Stewart, published in Edinburgh in 1804. Little is known about the brothers, but we know that Alexander Stewart was a headmaster in North Uist. Apparently, he was born in 1764 and died in 1821.

In the book the song appears under the title Òran gaoil, le duin' uasal àraid, do Mhaighdinn uasail san Eilean Fhada, but there is no mention of the composer, though it is known that Alexander Stewart wrote it.

It seems that "the noble maiden" was Mary, daughter of the Reverend Alan MacQueen, who was born in 1742 and was inducted as minister of the congregation of North Uist in 1770. Mary was born in 1783, and apparently Alexander Stewart fell in love with her when he worked as tutor to the family. She would have been around twenty when the song was published.

John MacKenzie, editor of Sàr Obair nam Bàrd Gàidhealach, states that Alexander Stewart's life was shortened because he did not win Mary's affection. He writes: "His attachment to her preyed so heavily on his mind that he sunk under it and was consigned to a premature grave." But there is doubt that this is entirely true.

In the Stewart collection there are more than one hundred and twenty songs and poems gathered from many parts of the Highlands. Well-known bards appear, such as Iain Lom, Màiri nighean Alasdair Ruaidh [11315], Sìleas na Ceapaich [11334], Iain MacAilein, am Pìobaire Dall, an Ciaran Mabach, Rob Donn [11024] and Uilleam Ross [11027]. There are several Ossianic lays and a good selection of love songs, such as Ho mo Mhàiri Laghach, Mo Nighean Donn na Buaile, Mo Nighean Bhuidhe Bhàn, Nach Falbhadh tu Leam, Màiri Ghreannar, Fhir a' Bhàta and Bidh Fonn Oirre Daonnan.

List of compositions

A Mhàiri Bhòidheach 's a Mhàiri Ghaolach