Gairm

The chapter focuses on the Gaelic quarterly Gairm (1952–2002) which Thomson established in partnership with author and producer Finlay J MacDonald (Fionnlagh Iain MacDhòmhnaill, 1925–1987) and edited for fifty years. It provides an overview of the magazine’s foundation and development; the role it played in supporting new Gaelic literature and coverage of current affairs in Gaelic; and how it navigated between its progressive revivalist aims and popular appeal. It discusses the quarterly’s attitude to selected topics related to the revitalisation of Gaelic, including policies and language planning; education; publishing and the media; drama; and economics. It comments on Gairm’s interaction with other bodies active in the Gaelic movement, especially with An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Highland Association). Its concluding part presents a detailed discussion of Thomson’s own contributions to the magazine, including editorials, poetry, short stories, book reviews, essays, and travelogues.