RIP Professor Ken Mackinnon

We're very sad to learn about the death of Professor Ken Mackinnon, a friend and mentor to many readers here and father of Gàidhlig sociolinguistics. 

Ken is well-known throughout the Gaelic world and beyond for his groundbreaking work on Gaelic language use and policy.

Not only will he be deeply missed in Alba but also in Kernow. 

During the WW2 London Blitz Ken, as a boy, was evacuated to Cornwall. 

His stay instilled a lasting impression on him as well as an enduring love for Cornish language and culture. 

His 2000 report on Cornish was instrumental in ensuring the inclusion of Kernewek on the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, giving the language the basic protection and recognition it and its speakers needed. 

Ken was warm, funny, and immensely supportive, and was noted for his Gàidhlig Eilean nan Con, Isle of Dogs Gaelic accent. 

His research and mentoring has been central to the work of many language activists and academics working in the field of language planning and policy. 

He will be sorely missed. 

Cusk yn cres Ken.

(with thanks to Agan Tavas)