John MacInnes (Gaelic scholar)

John MacInnes (1930-2020) was a highly influential Scottish Gaelic scholar, folklorist, and poet. He is considered one of the foremost experts on Gaelic oral tradition and literature of the 20th century.

MacInnes was born in Skye and educated at the University of Edinburgh, where he studied Celtic Languages and Literature. He spent the majority of his academic career at the School of Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh, where he built upon and greatly expanded the existing archives of Gaelic song, story, and tradition. He was renowned for his deep knowledge of Gaelic history, culture, and language, particularly the nuances of idiom and dialect.

His major published work, The Gaelic Perameters (Cló Ostaig, 2011), is a collection of essays exploring a wide range of themes in Gaelic culture, including heroic literature, song, religious traditions, and social history. This collection is considered essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Gaelic thought and expression.

Beyond his scholarly work, MacInnes was a respected poet writing in Gaelic. His poems often reflected his deep connection to the landscape and culture of the Scottish Highlands. He also contributed extensively to Gaelic broadcasting and education, ensuring the continued vitality of the language and its cultural heritage. His insights and interpretations of Gaelic tradition continue to influence scholars and artists working in the field. His extensive fieldwork and meticulous attention to detail have provided an invaluable resource for future generations.