The news of the death of one of Scotland’s most distinguished poets and novelists, Iain Crichton Smith, has left the University of Aberdeen community deeply saddened.
A graduate of the University, Mr Crichton Smith was an immensely prolific writer of prose, poetry, plays and novels who wrote in both his native Gaelic and English.
He left his home in Lewis in 1945 to study English at the University. It was the first time he had left the island on which he grew up and the experience of living and studying in Aberdeen had an enormous impact on him. His contemporaries while at the University included the poet Alexander Scott and the Gaelic poet Derick Thomson. He graduated with an Honours degree in 1949.
Following his graduation, Mr Crichton Smith taught in Oban for many years before returning to the University in 1980 as Creative Writing Fellow. In 1988, the University awarded him the honorary degree of DLitt.
Dr Graeme Roberts, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Divinity, said that as Scotland’s premier poet in Gaelic and English, Iain Crichton Smith would be much missed.
“We were very much looking forward to his return to Aberdeen to take part in the festival of writing which Alan Spence, our present writer-in-residence, is organising for next May.
“That might be a suitable occasion for his many friends and admirers in his old university city to pay tribute to Iain’s immense contribution to Scottish letters.”
University of Aberdeen writer-in-residence Alan Spence described Mr Crichton Smith as a “truly fine writer” and a “genuinely good man”.
“It’s only a few months since we had Iain back at Aberdeen, reading to old friends and a whole new generation of students and staff. As always, he was totally engaging, reading work that moved from the profound to the uproariously funny (I’ve never known anyone convey quite so much infectious enjoyment of his own jokes!).
“He was to have read at the opening event of our Writers’ Festival next year. Now he’ll be there is spirit, the event a celebration in honour of his memory.”
Professor Donald Meek, of the University’s Department of Celtic, was taught by Mr Crichton Smith while at school in Oban.
“Iain Crichton Smith was an outstandingly talented man. He was inspirational in his teaching and writing. As a teacher, he opened new horizons for his pupils, who will remember him for his clear exposition and effortless humour. As a writer, he brought Gaelic literature into a new era. As a poet and novelist, he eplored deep human issues in a manner which was both Highland and universal. I will never forget his self-effacing brilliance – he was a literary giant who sought no honours.”