Biographies

Tribute to a distinguished friend

A literary 220 page tribute to a Scottish man by a friend now living in NZ - both men Gaelic speakers. This book found its way onto a BBC program celebrating authors from the Isle of Skye. The subject of the book had not only distinguished himself in education, but was also a decorated Gaelic speaker, poet and singer of traditional Gaelic songs. The book was an international effort: family, colleagues and friends - living in Scotland and Downunder - provided content and photos, the cover was conceptualised in Skye, the book layed out and designed in New Zealand. Given its specialist nature and audience the decision was made to print in Wellington and freight to Britain. The book invited a larger coffee-table format with spacious margins. About 45 colour and grayscale photos throughout. (His Gaelic songs and ballads - all recorded years ago - were converted to mp3s and uploaded to a private server on the Isle of Skye, with a link in the book.) A fine and careful tribute to a close and distinguished friend.