Mar A Tha
The Story:
One of the compositions by the popular poet from the Isle of Skye, Mary MacPherson, Main Mhor nan Oran (1821 - 1898). She was very involved in politics and wrote much about the land agitations. Here she refers to the good times to come due to the efforts of agitators such as Alexander MacKenzie(Clach na Cudainn); Donald MacRae(Bail'Ailein) and Dugald Cowan (Dughall).

Ach dh'fhalbh na seann nithean uainn
's tha nithean nuadha nan aite
Tha cuid nach deach a-nùair chuan
Dhinn air cruadalach ri traigh

Ach fhuair sinn naidheachd gu ar miann
A tha riaraicht le m' chail
Gu bheil frithean nam fiadh
Gan cur sios gus an làr

Duisgibh a luchd mo ghaoil
'S bithibh a-mach an tràths
'S cuiribh teine ris an fhraoch
'S eiridh laoich 'na ur pairt

Bidh Bail-ailein air ur ceann
Gabhail suim dhe ur càs
'S cha bhi leud a shròòair chall
Aig an t-sonn nach bi a-bhàn

Cuiridh a Clach air a dhoigh
H-uile feorlaing the fas
Eadar seo is tigh iain Ghròit
A bheir òr airson màil

Gu bheil diulnach ro threun
An Dun-eideann à tàmh
Agus Dughall cho gleusd
Is cho eudmhor mu'r càs 

ENGLISH TRANSLATION =====

The old ways have gone away from us
And new things have come in their place there are some that
didn't go across the sea
For us the hardship of the shore.

But we have received news to our liking
That makes my appetite happy
That the deer forests/paths
are being destroyed

wake-up people of my love
And be out at this time
put a fire to the heather and
arise each hero to his duty

Ballalan will be at your head
Taking note of your difficulties
A hairs breadth will not be lost
By the hero who is absent

The 'Clach' will organise
Every bit that grows
Between here and John '0 groats
That gives gold for rent

There are brave men
Living in Edinburgh
And Dougie who is very skilful
And so conciderate about our struggle