Catriona Lexy Campbell named as Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s new writer in residence
Catriona Lexy Campbell has this week been named the new Writer in Residence at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, the National Centre for the Gaelic Language and Culture. Catriona Lexy (30) is originally from Ness on Lewis and in recent years has earned acclaim as both a writer and actress.
She has written both children’s titles such as, Balach Beag a Mhàthar and Sgeulachdan Eagalach Feagalach and novels for adults, Samhraidhean Dìomhair and Cleasan a’ Bhaile Mhòir. She also won the Gaelic poetry prize at the Wigtown Book Festival in 2006 with her poem ‘Cinneas’. She has been involved in Gaelic drama for a number of years as both an actor and tutor, and up until April of last year she was the Gaelic Associate Artist at the National Theatre of Scotland. Catriona Lexy comes from a strong literary and artistic background with both her father Norman Campbell and her uncle Alasdair Campbell having held the writer in residence post at SMO. Her mother Mary Jane Campbell is an accomplished Gaelic singer and lecturer at Sabhal Mòr.
Catriona Lexy said: “As a writer, it is always wonderful to have the opportunity to develop your work. I’m so pleased to be working with the exceptional students and staff of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and I’m sure that we’ll have a great year together.”
Catriona Lexy will work on a new novel whilst at the college and continue with her writing for various drama projects, and she has already began to work in collaboration with some of the other artists resident at the college. She will also encourage students in their creative writing and help them develop their skills.
Kath MacLeod, Gaelic Development Officer at SMO said: “The writer in residence at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has always been a very important and much esteemed post which has been held by many of the best-known Gaelic writers, such as Sorley MacLean, Aonghas MacNeacail agus indeed Catriona Lexy’s dad, Norman Campbell. Catriona Lexy is a very talented writer whose work includes prose, poetry and drama and we are looking forward to witnessing the fruits of her time with us during her year-long residency. It will be especially interesting to see the results of her collaborative work with the other artists who are resident at the college.”
Two new books by Catriona Lexy are due to be published later this year. She is also involved in scriptwriting for various organisations which include the National Theatre of Scotland, Òran Mòr and Rural Nations, and the play she wrote for the BBC based on her novel, Samhraidhean Dìomhair, was broadcast in December of last year (2012).
The residency is part of a partnership between SMO and Creative Scotland and will last for a year.