Folklore Material in Ruaraidh Erskine’s Gaelic Magazines

Abstract

Gaelic magazines founded and run by Ruaraidh Erskine in the 1900s – 1930s are usually, and justifiably, perceived as cosmopolitan and admittedly elitist, focused on discussing contemporary affairs and supporting new Gaelic writing inspired by latest international developments. However, as this article demonstrates, they also featured a substantial amount of content related to Gaelic folklore and traditional culture. In all respects, Erskine’s magazines showed consistent interest in other Celtic countries, especially Ireland but also Brittany, Cornwall, Isle of Man, and Wales. This article examines the role of folklore and traditional culture play within the magazines’ vision of the Gaelic revival and Scottish independence, inspiring other influential ventures, including the quarterly Gairm (1952-2002).