Scotland’s New Makar: Dr. Peter Mackay Takes on the Role
Dr. Peter Mackay, a renowned expert in Scottish Gaelic literature and lecturer at St Andrews University, is gearing up to step into the esteemed role of Scotland’s national poet, known as the Makar. Hailing from the Isle of Lewis, Dr. Mackay is set to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Kathleen Jamie, who recently concluded her three-year tenure in August.
A Legacy of Poetry and Promotion
As the fifth Makar of Scotland, Dr. Mackay’s responsibilities include promoting poetry on a national level and creating works that reflect significant events. With a background in Gaelic literature and a deep appreciation for the intricacies of language, Dr. Mackay is well-equipped to connect linguistic communities within Scotland and beyond.
First Minister John Swinney expressed his delight in Dr. Mackay’s appointment, highlighting the poet’s originality, playfulness, and willingness to push the boundaries of language. Swinney emphasized the importance of Dr. Mackay’s understanding of linguistic interactions in fostering connections among diverse communities.
An Honored and Enthusiastic Makar
Dr. Mackay shared his excitement about taking on the role, describing it as an honor and a pleasure. Grateful for the panel’s faith in him and the First Minister’s support, Dr. Mackay expressed his eagerness to continue the legacy of previous Makars and encourage creative expression in Scotland’s multitude of languages.
Embracing the title of ‘Makar’ over ‘poet laureate,’ Dr. Mackay emphasized the significance of ‘making’ within the role and the grounding effect of the Scots title. He envisions his role as inspiring individuals to create in the diverse languages of Scotland, sparking conversations and debates across linguistic boundaries.
With a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm, Dr. Mackay looks forward to embarking on his journey as Scotland’s new Makar, eager to contribute to the rich tapestry of Scottish poetry and language.
