“There is a species of poetry peculiar to the Gael called Iurram and Orain Luathaidh. The music of the Iurram has always that mixture of grandeur and melancholy that never fails to gain its end. They are sung on board of ships and buirlings* by the sailors, when they row or work, to deceive the time. The subject is generally the life and actions of some chief or relation. The language is such as to express the sentiments and actions described; the music, expression, and the strokes of the oars, coinciding in such exact time, both the sailor and passenger forget their hardships and fatigue, even in the most inclement seasons. The Oran luathaidh, with the same view, is sung when they work on shore, and derives its name from luthadh, milling or fulling….

...The time of this fpieces of finging** is not fo quick as that of the Reel, nor fo flow as the Iurram.”
[An analysis of the Galic Language, 2nd ed., Shaw, 1778, pp.136-37)]
*boats
**Oran luathaidh.
iomramh
Fulling songs
Origin: Skye Boat Song confusion