Lawyer Gordon Hay translates Bible into Doric

Retired solicitor Gordon Hay began the work in 2006 by translating the New Testament while still employed, concluding it six years later.

Mr Hay, from Aberdeenshire, recently completed the translation of the Old Testament – the “Aul” Testament in Doric – which was approximately three times the length.

Born to a Doric-speaking farming family in Inverkeithny, 77-year-old Mr Hay worked on the New Testament during his spare time at work, eventually finishing it in 2012.

A graduate of Aberdeen University – MA 1974; LLB 1976 – he apprenticed with Alex Morison & Co in Edinburgh and thereafter joined the Turriff based firm of Stewart & Watson in 1978.

Six months later, he was made a partner and sent to open the firm’s new branch office in Peterhead where he remained until retiring in 2013 as senior and managing partner.

“I was an old-style country lawyer who dabbled in most areas of the law,” he said.

The completed Old Testament translation stretches to over 758 pages and includes more than half a million words.

Mr Hay, a church elder and organist since his childhood, characterised Doric as distinctive. He said: “Until about 150 years ago when proper roads were built, the north east was very cut off from the rest of the country.”

A service conducted in Doric used to take place twice a year in Buchan, he said, but added: “Rev Charles Birnie, the minister who used to translate it, sadly died.”

Upon his retirement, Mr Hay devoted more time to the project. He said he felt “elated” at the completion of his work.

Rev Sheila Kirk, the Presbytery Clerk for the Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles, said: “This translation is a significant contribution to the cultural life of the north east and represents Gordon’s deep love, knowledge and understanding of the language he grew up with. We are immensely proud of Gordon.”