My Books
Na Leabhraichean Agam
‘Red Lichen’, Gaelic Poetry and Song Collection
‘Crotal Ruadh’, Cruinneachadh Bàrdachd agus Òran
Published by Acair and prizewinner in the Donald Meek Award 2016
Sandy’s first collection of Gaelic poetry and songs ‘Crotal Ruadh – Red Lichen’ was published by Acair in 2016, and was awarded second prize overall that year in the Donald Meek Award for Gaelic Literature (it took first place for original writing). It was re-printed in 2019 to mark her appointment as Bàrd a’ Chomuinn, Gaelic Crowned Bard. The book is fully bilingual, with the poet’s own translations into English.
‘The Seventh Wave’, Gaelic Poetry and Song Collection
‘An Seachdamh Tonn’, Cruinneachadh Bàrdachd agus Òran
Sandy’s second collection of Gaelic poetry and songs ‘An Seachdamh Tonn – The Seventh Wave’ was published in June 2021 by Acair, who described as a ‘gem of a collection’. This bilingual volume comprises fifty new poems in a wide variety of poetic forms; and a dozen of them are set to music as new songs, and arranged by Sandy and several other composers. The book was formally launched at the Royal National Mòd in Inverness in October 2021. It has been long-listed for the Highland Book Prize 2021.
An Naomhsgeul as Buaine
The Most Enduring Saint's Fable
Sandy’s third book, ‘An Naomhsgeul as Buaine: Sgàthan Cinne-Daonna is Aiteal Dhè – The Most Enduring Saint’s Fable: Mirror of Humanity and Glimpse of God’, was published in October 2021 by Sallan Ltd. It was the result of a commission from the Royal Irish Academy with support from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, for a substantial suite of poetry to mark 1500 years since the birth of St Columba in 521, and has been described as ‘a mesmeric suite of poems’. There are 17 Cantos in this book, exploring key events, actions and influences in Columba’s life and aspects of his legacy. The Cantos vary greatly in form and feel, and are designed be set to music in the style of early plain chant. Like Sandy’s two earlier collections, this third book includes the author’s own English translations throughout. You can watch Sandy’s interview about the book of the Irish Language TV channel TG4 here.