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Motion · S6M-17480 · 8 May 2025

University of Aberdeen Lecturer Completes First Gaelic translation of The Hobbit

Lodged by Jackie Dunbar (Scottish National Party) Standard Motion 16 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament congratulates Moray Watson, Professor of Gaelic and Translation at the University of Aberdeen, who has recently completed and published the first Gaelic translation of The Hobbit; understands that Professor Watson, who is a lifelong Tolkien fan, first began working on a Gaelic version titled A’ Hobat prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns; further understands that delays due to the pandemic, as well as fitting the project around his teaching commitments, meant that arriving at a final version took longer than anticipated; acknowledges that the book includes an afterword explaining why Professor Watson settled on the word Hobat to translate Hobbit and why it has a’ and not the more expected an; understands that this translation, which is supported by Gaelic Books Council, joins a growing list of languages, allowing new engagement with the classic story the world over, including Hawaiian, Esperanto, Breton and Yiddish; further understands that Professor Watson, who is also director of Ionad Eòghainn MhicLachlainn, the National Centre for Gaelic Translation, is also completing a Gaelic translation of H.G.Wells’s The Time Machine, with A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle next on his list to be translated into Gaelic; commends Professor Watson on his hard work and efforts in completing the translation of the book, and wishes him all the best for his future endeavours.

Supporters (16)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.