Stitcher: Esther Sharpley (Edinburgh)
Margaret, the Maid of Norway, was the daughter of Eric II of Norway and his wife Margaret, the daughter of Alexander III of Scotland. When the latter died unexpectedly in 1286 the infant Maid became Queen unexpectedly, and Eric began negotiations to betroth her to the heir to the English throne. Their heirs would have become kings of both Scotland and England. Fate however intervened: Margaret fell ill on her way to Scotland, dying aged just seven years old. Her death triggered a succession crisis and, ultimately, the Wars of Independence. The words “To Noroway” are taken from the ballad Sir Patrick Spens.
NO02 Maighdeann Nirribhigh
B’ e Mairead, Maighdeann Nirribhigh, nighean Eric II à Nirribhigh agus a bhean Mairead, nighean Alasdair III à Alba. Nuair a bhàsaich esan gu h-obann ann an 1286, bha an naoidhean Maighdeann na Banrigh agus thòisich Eric a’ barganachadh gus a pòsadh ri rìgh-chathair Shasainn. Bhiodh na h-oighrean acasan air a bhith nan rìghrean air an dà chuid Alba agus Sasainn. Ach thàinig freastal anns an rathad: dh’fhàs Mairead tinn air a slighe a dh’Alba agus bhàsaich i aig dìreach seachd bliadhna a dh’aois. Phiobraich a bàs càs a thaobh leantaileachd agus às dèidh sin Cogaidhean an Neo-eisimeileachd. Tha na facail “To Noroway” air an toirt à bailead Sir Patrick Spens.