Biography

Peggy Effie MacIver, Peigi Oighrig Aonghais an t-Saighdeir, was born in the village of Kneep in Uig, Lewis. She later lived in London for many years with her husband, Donald Smith from Valtos, before returning to her homeland.

Peggy Effie was not only known for her singing, but also for her ability to compose songs. Donald MacIver, Dòmhnall Donn, the Kneep Bard, was her grandfather's brother. She told BBC Radio nan Gàidheal on the 16th of June 2001 how he told her on his deathbed that she would receive the gift of poetry:

"On the day he died, I was milking the cows in the byre when my father came in. He would go out every day to see how he was. He was ill. My father said, 'He needs to see you immediately.' And when I went in, he said, 'Come, don't be afraid. Give me your hand.' And my father made me go over to his bedside, and he said, 'I am leaving this world soon. And you will be left with the spirit of poetry. I am going to give you advice: never use it to condemn, or to criticise, but don't hold back from using this gift. You can't.'"

Donald Donn died around 1945 and shortly after his death Peggy Effie composed her first song, praising the view that can be seen from the top of a hill near her home.

Nuair thèid mi 'n-àirde bhàrr a' chnuic
Mar 's tric air feasgar Sàbaid,
Chì mi Riof is Bhaltos Ùig
'S an Cnìp far 'n d' fhuair mi m' àrach.

Chì mi Siaram dhomh nas fhaisg'
Bhuidha Mhòr 's gach àite;
Bhàcasaigh is Gob an Stuing
Is Tràigh na Beirigh làmh rium.

Chì mi faisg dhomh Pabaigh Mhòr
A' cumail taobh ri Màs Sgeir
Sgeir Minig Bheag aig Gob an Tobh'
'S an fhairge beucadh àrd oirr'.

Tha 'n Gallan Ùigeach muigh aig tuath
Cha dèan mi an t-Seana Bheinn fhàgail
Na Beàrnaraigh is Caolas Ùig
Far an tric le lìon is bàt' iad.


For twenty-four years, Peggy Effie and her husband, Donnie, lived in London, providing a welcoming place for many Gaels, especially seafarers who came and went between home and port cities across the world. Their house became a hub for Gaelic music, hospitality, and social gatherings.

In 1957, Peggy’s brother, Angus Kenneth MacIver [9651], had his songs recorded by James Ross of the School of Scottish Studies. When he found out that Angus had a sister who could sing, he quickly went to find her in London, and shortly after, Peggy was recorded by Ross and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal.

In 2009, she recorded a selection of her own songs, along with those of Donald Donn, and these were released on a DVD by the Uig Historical Society.

Peggy sadly passed away on the 28th of April 2017.