Murdo Macfarlane (15 February 1901—7 November 1982; Scottish Gaelic: Murchadh MacPhàrlain) known as Bàrd Mhealboist ("the Melbost Bard")[1] was a published poet, songwriter and campaigner for Scottish Gaelic, especially during the 1970s, when the Ceartas movement was gaining strength.

Born and brought up in Melbost, Isle of Lewis, he was taught Latin, English and French but received no education in Gaelic, his mother tongue.

[citation needed] In the 1970s, with the Gaelic Resurgence, Murchadh wrote many poems, songs and pipe tunes for the cause, such as Cànan nan Gàidheal, Òran Cogaidh, Màl na Mara, and Mi le m' Uillin air Mo Ghlùin.

Allan MacDonald, in his pipe book A' Cheud Ceud, refers to Murchadh as the Crann Tara of the Gaelic Movement.

[2][3] The song has been recorded by Dick Gaughan,[4] Catherine-Ann MacPhee,[2] Karen Matheson,[5] Tannas,[2] Dan ar Braz[6] and Tide Lines.