Biography

Alasdair MacDonald (Alasdair Raghnaill Ruaidh) of Iochdar, South Uist, was only sixteen when he composed Mabhrann do Dhonnchadh Ruairidh Sheonaidh for Duncan MacLean from Kilaulay, South Uist. Duncan was a year or two older than Alasdair, but they were very close when they were in school together in Uist.

Duncan was drafted into the Army, to the Cameron Highlanders, and shortly after the news came that he had been killed. At this time, Alasdair was in high school in Lochaber, and the death of his friend greatly affected him, which is evident in the elegy.

Alasdair did not have a long life either. He passed away when he was only fifty years old.

List of compositions

Marbhrann do Dhonnchadh Ruaraidh Sheonaidh