Overview

"THE BOOK: ""Recollections of an Argyllshire Drover"" & Other West Highland Chronicles Eric Cregeen's groundbreaking research into the Argyll Estate Papers and into the oral tradition of the Scottish West Highlands are at the heart of this collection. During his appointment at the University of Edinburgh's School of Scottish Studies, Cregeen tape-recorded tradition bearers in both Gaelic and English, gathering information that is today priceless, such as the descriptions of the last Argyll drover. He was a founding member of the Scottish Oral History movement, but his tragically early death in 1983 robbed Scotland of a great scholar, social historian and folklorist and of other proposed books. This collection, selected and edited by Dr Margaret Bennett, will be welcomed by a wide range of readers, especially those who share Cregeen's enthusiasm for 'approaching the history of the Highlands with a mind alert to the claims of oral tradition.' The book begins with a masterful introductory essay by the editor and also includes a comprehensive bibliography of Cregeen's work. This edition brings invaluable and beautifully written material to a new generation keen to reconnect with Scotland's Highland history and tradition."

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9781907676413

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Eric Cregeen was a social scientist of the highest order... He was not only far in advance of his time, but no-one since has put together the disciplines of history and anthropology so effectively to illuminate the life of the Highlands. Professor T. C. Smout, St Andrews University The achievement of this collection is that it brings to a wider audience the beautiful prose of Eric Cregeen, from each line of which shines his deep conviction of the value of the oral tradition and the lives of those in whose breasts it beats. His interests were wide but it is in his descriptions of the ordinary people of the Highlands and Islands that Cregeen's prose really comes to life. The book brings invaluable and beautifully written material to a new generation keen to reconnect with Highland history and tradition. Dr Iain MacKinnon Scottish Crofting Federation Eric Cregeen, a generous friend and valued colleague, was a pioneer of the history, anthropology and folklore of Gaelic-speaking Scotland. The welcome collection testifies to his achievement and enduring legacy. Professor Edward J. Cowan University of Glasgow

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"AUTHOR: ERIC R. CREGEEN (1921-1983). Though born in the north of England, Eric Cregeen's family were from the Isle of Man, where he spent many of his formative years. After graduating from Cambridge University as a Social Historian, Cregeen trained with the Irish Folklore Commission before being appointed as Associate Director of the Manx Museum. In 1966 he joined the staff of the University of Edinburgh at the School of Scottish Studies and was one of the most productive fieldworkers and researchers. He was later appointed Reader in Scottish Studies, a role which he fulfilled until his untimely death in 1983. THE EDITOR: MARGARET BENNETT is a prize-winning author as well known as a singer and broadcaster, she is widely regarded as ""Scotland's foremost folklorist"". Bennett has written extensively about Scottish folklore and culture at home and abroad. Her prize-winning books include 'The Last Stronghold: Scottish Gaelic traditions in Newfoundland' (1989), 'Oatmeal and the Catechism: Scottish Gaelic Settlers in Quebec' (1999), and 'Scottish Customs from the Cradle to the Grave', (2004). She is the recipient of several honours including The Celtic Women International Award for ""lifelong service to Scottish and Celtic Culture"" ( 2003), an Honorary Doctor of Music (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 2010), Association of Scottish Literary Studies Honorary Life 'fellow' in recognition of contribution to Scottish literature (2010), in recognition of her contribution to Quebec cultural studies, the prestigious 'Prix du Quebec' (2011) and Honorary Professor of the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh (2012). As the late Hamish Henderson said, ""Margaret embodies the spirit of Scotland""l."

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