First Gaelic poet appointed Scotland's Makar

The first Gaelic poet has been appointed as Scotland's Makar.

Lewis-born Peter Mackay says he is keen to use his new role as the national poet to champion his native tongue, but not at the expense of other languages.

He told BBC Scotland News: "I write mainly in Gaelic and English, and sometimes Scots.

"We are a multi-lingual nation so it's important to find ways to speak to each other."

The original makars were medieval poets or bards, often tied to the royal court and expected to make work for significant occasion.

For the past two decades, Scottish cities have appointed their own makars and in 2004 the first national poet was appointed.