Am Bàrd Ruadh, Lachlann MacMhuirich | Lauchlin Currie
(1852 - 1926)

Lauchie Currie alternatively known as Am Bard Ruadh, was a Gaelic bard born in the Glen Currie area of Upper Grand Mira, eventually settling in Blackett’s Lake and possibly Sydney. There remains conflict as to whether or not the bard married. Annabelle MacKinnon of Gillis Lake stated that Currie’s written poems were inherited by his son living in Sydney, while another source says he neither married nor had children.
Currie descends from a lengthy lineage of Gaelic literati extending back to the 13th century. This is evidenced in the high register of Gaelic language prevalent in Currie’s poetry. His compositions have been published in Achadh nan Gàidheal, and more recently Michael Newton’s ‘Seannchaidh na Coille.’
Born to Dòmhnaill Ruadh and Cairistìona Currie, second cousins, and descendants of Niall Am File (The Poet). Niall was the last of the professional bards on the isle of South Uist. It seemed their family maintained literacy and education after settling in Cape Breton. Lauchie’s brothers Michael D. and John were also respected composers. Michael D., a schoolteacher and writer, published many works on the history of Gaelic settlement on the Mira.
Oran na Mèinn Chopair chronicles events at the Coxheath copper mine (1878.) It seems Currie was settled in Blackett’s Lake at that time. Many men in Blacketts Lake and surrounding areas were led to believe the mine would provide great opportunity and labour for their communities. The mine operated for 3 short years and its closure left many unemployed and embittered. Currie’s respected status as a bard and extreme proficiency in the Gaelic tongue provided a voice to these downtrodden men, articulating their predicament in poem.

“The Beaton Institute” ”