Mairead bean Ruairidh Iagain Ruairidh
Margaret MacLean
Eachdraidh-bheatha | Biography
Margaret MacLean (née MacDonald) was on born April 2, 1909, and raised in Boisdale, a proud descendant of emigrants from Barra and South Uist. She grew up immersed in song, surrounded by the many fine singers in the Boisdale and Big Beach area. Raised in the same house as her grandparents, both of South Uist stock and exceptional singers, Margaret developed an extensive repertoire of local and traditional Gaelic songs. She learned many of these from her grandmother, Mary (Màiri Dhòmhnuill Nìll) MacDonald, her two uncles, Johnny (Seonaidh Iain Dhòmhnuill) and Michael (Mìcheal Iain Dhòmhnuill) MacDonald, and her grandfather, Donald MacDonald.
Her repertoire included many old and beautiful milling songs, and she possessed a deep knowledge of the local song tradition, including compositions by earlier bards that might otherwise have been lost. Margaret was most obliging in her contributions to the Cape Breton Folklore Collection, generously sharing her knowledge and patiently recalling verses to songs she had not heard in over fifty years.
Margaret married Roddie MacLean (Ruairidh Iagain Ruairidh) of Big Beach, becoming sister-in-law to Flora (Flòraidh Bheag), also an informant for the Cape Breton Folklore Collection. Roddie, and Flora’s husband Iain, were brothers. Margaret and Roddie raised a family of five.
Margaret was strongly of the opinion that we must all maintain the song tradition at a high standard. She was herself a treasure-trove of songs and cultural knowledge and an inspiration to many who knew her and loved her singing. She passed away on December 30, 2008 and is laid to rest at St. Andrew's Cemetery in Boisdale.