Gaelic Guerrilla

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About the Book: 

Many individuals have contributed to this linguistic and cultural renaissance. One man, however, stands out. Without his heroic efforts, a whole range of key Gaelic development initiatives could never have achieved the success they have… his courage, intelligence, humanity, political nous, people skills, wit and steely resolve were such that, what lesser beings regarded as impossible, he made possible.

This is the astonishing story of John Angus Mackay, an islander from a humble background who achieved what others regarded as impossible. Through his tireless efforts, the Scottish Gaelic language and culture has turned a corner, and the number of young Gaelic speakers is increasing. Perhaps his most evident achievement came after a long, dogged and forensically focused campaign for the Gaelic television service against huge establishment resistance. At times, the channel now attracts viewership figures well in excess of the total number of Gaelic speakers in Scotland.

But that is only part of John Angus’ story: his courage to overcome disability, his contributions as a gifted teacher and his pivotal role in advancing community co-operatives in his native Lewis are all part of what he has achieved.

About the Author:

ROY PRESDEN was born in Ayrshire and brought up in Aberdeen where he graduated with an MA in Geography and Economic History. After a brief spell in London, where he created and published the first and best selling Gaelic map of Scotland, he has spent most of his working life based in Inverness. There he pursued a successful career in the economic, social and cultural development with the Highlands and Islands Development Board, in the course of which, he was the architect of the ferry charging system, “Road Equivalent Tariff” (RET). He was also intimately involved with the Community Co-operative Scheme and revival of Gaelic. More recently he has been proprietor of a consultancy business, has served as a Highland councillor and has authored several books including the acclaimed critique of Scottish ferry policy – Who pays the Ferryman? He is chair of Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba, Gaelic Place-names of Scotland, and serves on the Scottish Government’s Ferry Industry Advisory Group.