Aberdeenshire solicitor Gordon M Hay has been awarded an MBE for his pioneering translation of the entire Bible into Doric, a variant of the Scots language. Spanning 17 years, his work includes the New Testament, published in 2012, and the Old Testament, completed in 2022. This milestone marks the first time the entire Bible has been translated into any Scots dialect. Hay’s translation journey began in 2006 when he was asked to translate passages for the Buchan Heritage Society's annual Doric service. Encouraged by the positive reception, he embarked on the monumental task of translating both Testaments, producing over 800,000 words. His contributions have garnered recognition from the Scottish Parliament and royal circles, with invitations to read at Crathie Kirk by the now King Charles III. A dedicated Church of Scotland elder for 30 years, Hay also translates literary classics, writes Doric nursery rhymes, and plays the organ. He remains an active cultural ambassador for the Doric language.
Scotland: Bible translator honoured with MBE
Written by David Fletcher 02 Jan 2025Additional Info
- Praise: God for inspiring Gordon’s devotion and commitment to faithfully translate the Bible into Doric. Pray for the work of the wider Bible translation movements - that all will be able to read the Word in their mother tongue. (Romans 10:15)
- More: www.aberdeenlive.news/news/aberdeen-news/aberdeenshire-kirk-elder-who-translated-9826168.amp