Early Gaelic periodicals: knowledge transfer and impact

This article provides a survey of early Gaelic periodical publishing in Scotland between 1829 and 1850. It considers the factors – educational, social and technological – behind the emergence of a Gaelic periodical press which was for the most part a Glasgow-based phenomenon. The challenges faced by publishers and editors are discussed with a particular focus on the Rev. Dr Norman MacLeod (Caraid nan Gàidheal) who established two of the key journals from the period, An Teachdaire Gae’lach and Cuairtear nan Gleann. Other aspects of the press which are considered are the contributors (many of whom wrote under pen-names), content, sales and distribution and the reception of the publications. The article concludes by underlining the importance of these periodicals to a range of fields in Scottish Gaelic studies including linguistics, literature, social history and folklore