Angus Cameron Robertson

Angus Cameron Robertson (1867-1945): Dunedin’s Gaelic Bard

The Isle of Skye-born Angus Cameron Robertson (Gaelic: Aonghas Camsron Macdhunnchaidh) arrived in Dunedin-Ōtepoti in July 1889, aged 32. After working in Roxburgh, Alexandra and dredging on the Clutha, Robertson returned to Dunedin in 1905, with his wife Martha Maria and their two sons (two other sons would be born later). With a strong belief in spiritual and religious care, he became a lay preacher, administering to local settlers and families in the Otago region. By then he had started putting pen to paper, writing poems as early as 1899 on New Zealand and the Boer War. In 1910, he published his first substantial book: Poems. Others followed such as Sketches and poems on sea and land (1910), Coronation souvenir from New Zealand: a meeting of the Empire (1911), and Echoes from beyond the wave (1919).

The Gaelic Society of New Zealand was established in Dunedin in 1881. They recognised his talents – Robertson was fluent in Gaelic – and they accepted him in as one of four Honorary Bards, charged with composing poetry in Gaelic and English poetry. He relished this experience and thoroughly enjoyed the comradeship of the Gaelic Society in Dunedin. He also joined the Burns Club and the Dunedin Pipe Band. In 1913, he travelled to the United States, a trip that he used to restore his flagging health as well as to continue preaching. In 1914, at the start of the First World War, Robertson was resident at Seacliff Mental Hospital, where director Truby King and Dr McKillop, a Gaelic Society member, were in charge. A restorative process began again, lasting about ten years. By 1925, he was back to his old self: singing Gaelic songs at monthly concerts of the Gaelic Society.

One event was a catalyst for his creativity: the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition, held in Dunedin from 7 November 1925 to 1 May 1926. He published his poem Dunedin: The City Beautiful as a souvenir. Other publications included Salt Sea Tang (1927), his main collection of prose and poetry, Advance New Zealand! (c.1932), and political squibs such as Vote for the right and save the children! (c.1935), and Douglas Credit is coming (c.1937). Three other important works included his Infantile paralysis: it’s [sic.] causes and prevention (save the children) (1940), The bagpipes: history and traditions (c.1922) and titles that were specifically generated by his love of the Gaelic language: Song: Lovely Jessie: written to a traditional Gaelic air and Song; Eilean a cheo: written to a traditional Gaelic air (c.1930).

Robertson died on 11 September 1945 aged 77. He was buried at Andersons Bay Cemetery. On 30 November 2023, to celebrate his life and literary contribution to the city, a Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature’s Writers’ Walk plaque was unveiled at the Octagon. It was a joyous occasion, with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren present.