Douglas Robertson's story about Spring tide and neap tide selected poems 1932-72

My introduction to this inspirational book came when i was a student attending the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee.
Our Art History tutor, film maker and author Timothy Neat was making a documentary about the life and work of gaelic poet, Sorley MacLean. I was captured by the contrasting images of power and beauty, and pain and longing in the poems. Though I wasn't a gaelic speaker, hearing the poems read by MacLean added to my growing love for the work.
Over the years my love for gaelic poetry has grown and i had the opportunity not only of meeting Sorley MacLean on several occasions, but building up friendships and links with many other gaelic writers.
I have no doubt that these poems have shaped my work as an artist significantly; the use of symbolism and imagery in the work gave me an insight into how to communicate and connect with an audience in a way I had not experienced before, the haunting nature of the verse, and it's connection to the people and landscape of the Hebrides made me question how i felt about making my art, and whether or not it had anything to say to others.
Twenty-five years on my love for this book and it's beautiful poems has remained strong, and my prized signed copy sits in my bookcase. It still is a touchstone for me in the development of myself and my work, and i am grateful to both Sorley Maclean for writing the poems, and Tim Neat for introducing them to me.