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Brown hails Mod as 'international event'

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Published Date: 16 October 2007
By MURRAY MACLEOD
AT THE ROYAL NATIONAL MOD
ORGANISERS of the Royal National Mod received an unexpected boost when they received a letter of support from Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister.
It is thought to be the first time the annual celebration of Gaelic music and culture, taking place this week in Lochaber, has been given the official backing of Downing Street.

In a faxed letter to An Comunn Gaidhealach, Mr Brown said: "I recogn
ise the tremendous contribution made by this event, the premier annual celebration of Gaelic language and culture, which is not only a national but an international gathering of great significance."

John MacLeod, the An Comunn president, warmly welcomed the intervention of Mr Brown, which, he said, proved the increasing appeal of Scotland's indigenous tongue. "From what we know this is the first ever time we have had a message of support like this from Downing Street. It just goes to show that Gaelic and the Mod not only operates at a local level, or even a national one, but has international significance," he said.

An added element of political intrigue was provided when Mr MacLeod criticised the Scottish Government's culture minister, Linda Fabiani, one of the keynote speakers at the official opening in Fort William last Friday night.

He said that she should have made a "special announcement" in relation to the language when addressing an audience of about 500. In previous years it has been customary for leading politicians attending the Mod to announce new initiatives with funding to match.

"The Scottish Government missed an opportunity to let us know just what the plans are to develop Gaelic," said Mr MacLeod.

"They [the SNP] had a very strong manifesto commitment to develop Gaelic but we have yet to see how it is going to become a reality. I would also have expected the minister with responsibility for Gaelic, at a time when the Scottish Government are preparing their Gaelic Language Plan, to have made some efforts to say a few words in Gaelic on her visit to our annual celebration of Gaelic music and culture."

However, Ms Fabiani said she had made a "strong statement of support" while visiting the Mod and recognised there was "still much to do to secure a sustainable future for the language".

Meanwhile, in the competitions, a call was made to introduce a new adult folk group event, following the success of the junior section.

A large number of the audience commented on the standard of the music and performances from the 17 entries.

The Allan Thomas Mitchell Trophy was eventually won by Buidheann Ard Sgoil Phort Righ from Skye, after impressing the judges with their renditions of "Mo Dhachaigh" and "Fagail Bharraigh".

Music adjudicator Raymond Bremner said: "This was a wonderful afternoon's entertainment. This was not an easy job, because every single one of the competitors deserve a prize. I wish we could award everyone a first place. The talent on show was tremendous and was far greater than when I was young."

Jean Graham, who attended the event and is one of the main musical experts at the Mod, said the ability shown by the youngsters should act as a catalyst for introducing an adult group competition.

"That's one of the best folk competitions I have ever heard and I have been attending them all over the UK and abroad," she said. "The Mod people will probably kill me for this, because of the complications it would cause, but it would be great if we could now have an adult competition as well."

MOD RESULTS - MONDAY

ORAL (LEARNERS)

POETRY RECITATION (13-15): 1 Rhona Gillies, Islay High School. 2 Mairi Sandison, Ard-sgoil Lochabair. (11-12): 1 Lynn MacLeod, Millburn Academy. 2 Jordan Gibson, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 3 Beth Steven, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. Cowal Trophy (9-10): 1 William Iain MacSween, Royal School of Dunkeld. 2 Lauren Rodgers, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 3 George Costford, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. (7-8): 1 Calum Docherty, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 2 Arran Kilpatrick, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 3 Owen Campbell. Phemie Wilson Memorial Trophy (5-6): 1 Ryan Johnston, Bowmore Primary. 2 Calum Brown, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu. 3 Amber MacDonald, St Mary's RC Primary School.

CONVERSATION (11-12): 1 Beth Steven, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 2 Jordan Gibson, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 3 Megan NicIain, Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir. (9-10): 1 Lauren Rodgers, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 2 George Costford, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 3 Marc Gordon, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. (7-8): 1 Lewis MacRae, Roinn-sgoil Ghaidhlig a' Ghearasdain. 2 Jessie MacPherson, Acharacle. 3 Christopher Clyne, Roinn-sgoil Ghaidhlig a' Ghearasdain. (5-6): 1 Rona MacLeod, Bonar Bridge Primary School. 2 Samantha Parkinson, Oban. 3 Amber MacDonald, St Mary's RC Primary School.

STORYTELLING: (7-8): 1 Donald Morrison, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu. 2 Mairi Bell MacDonald, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu. 3 Samuel Dow, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.

VOCAL SOLOS (LEARNERS)

TRADITIONAL: Mairi Mhor Gaelic Song Fellowship Silver Kilt Pin (16-18): 1 Philip Todd, Thurso High School. 2 Maria MacLeod, Sgoil MhicNeacail. James C MacPhee Memorial Medal: Girls (13-15): 1 Hannah MacDonald, Ard-sgoil Lochabair. 2 Kara Edgar, Sgoil MhicNeacail. 3 Chloe Newton, Fortrose Academy. Boys (13-15): 1 Robert Robertson, Àrd-sgoil Lochabair. 2 Ruaraidh MacKinnon, Islay High. 3 Daniel Geddis, Lochgilphead High School. C102 and C103: Hannah MacDonald, Ard-sgoil Lochabair. Ronald MacEachen Memorial Cup (11-12): 1 Amelia Inglis, Kilninver Primary. 2 Laura Davies, Coisir Og Lochabair. 3 Niamh McKaveney, Tarbert Academy. Mrs Roderick B Munro Trophy (9-10): 1 Eva Edgar, Bun-sgoil na h-Airde. 2 Emma MacLeod, Bun-sgoil Phort Righ. 3 Hannah MacRae, Lochyside RC Primary. Boys (11-12): 1 Stuart Rankine, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 2 Jordan Gibson, Bun-sgoil Chondobhrait. 3 Jonathan Campbell, Sir E Scott. Dr Archie MacKinnon, Islay, Memorial Trophy (9-10): 1 William Iain MacSween, Royal School of Dunkeld. 2 Kevin Cameron, Coisir Og Lochabair. 3 Keir Carmichael, Coisir Og Thobar Mhoire. Donald Macleod Trophy for Gaelic: Emma MacLeod, Bun-sgoil Phort Righ. Boys and Girls (7-8): 1 Heather McAdam, Coisir Og Lochabair. 2 Scott McColl, Furnace. 3 Laura Woodrow, Bowmore Primary School. Joan Campbell Memorial Trophy (5-6): 1 Christopher McCowan, Ardgour. 2 Anna Morrison, Lochaber. 3 Anna Jean MacKenzie, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.

VOCAL SOLOS (OPEN)

Previous Prizewinners: Skelmorlie and District Highland Association Quaich: 1 Alison Buchanan, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir. 2 Chelsea McLean, Campbeltown. 3 Shona Nic a'Mhaoilein, Sgoil MhicNeacail.

DUETS (LEARNERS)

(16-18): 1 Claire MacLeod & Maria MacLeod, Sgoil MhicNeacail. 2 Rachael Kelly & Lorraine Kelly, Coisir Og Loch an Inbhir. Donald Ross Memorial Trophy (13-15): 1 Kirstin Paterson & Kirsty Dixon, Lochgilphead High School. 2 Kirsty Watt & Josie Duncan, Sgoil MhicNeacail. 3 Katrina MacLean & Georgina Durie, Comunn Gaidhealach Mhuile. Angus MacTavish Memorial Trophy (under 13): 1 Ashley Ferguson & Mairi Campbell, Lochgilphead.



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1

somerferg,

oz 16/10/2007 00:32:38

Oh really - thought Broon would be more interesting in how the Engerland rugby team is doing??

2

karin m,

16/10/2007 00:42:32

Well what do you know the FIRST

time we have an SNP government

and the FIRST time the MOD gets a

letter from a westminster PM what

a strange co-incidence eh?

3

Daibhidh,

16/10/2007 00:52:10

Quite clearly a political stunt...if you believe it's not, you'd believe opinion polls had nothing to do with Gordon Brown calling off the election!!

Mr Macleod (who I suspect is a labour sympathiser if you do a little research) should calm down. Rather than having a scatter-gun approach like the previous Labour government, the SNP are assessing things careful and ensuring emerging policy fits the bill.

I'm a great supporter of gaelic, however would far prefer to wait a few months for sound policies eminating from the SNP, rather than some letter of spin produced by Gordon Brown - who clearly didn't write it himself as he doesn't know the first thing about gaelic!

The SNP is the best thing to happened to Scotland. Not only do we have a prgressive gorvernment in power after decades of under-performance, opposition parties are starting to focus on Scotland's needs in an attempt to repaired thier tattered reputations...ideal sutiation, win-win!

4

Guga II,

Rockall 16/10/2007 01:37:51

This is obviously a political stunt by Maggie Broon. He's never shown any interest in the Mod before now; nor have any of his predecessors.

If he was genuinely interested, he would ensure that the EBC does more than show wee snippets of the competition late at night. He might even give funding for the establishment of a Gaelic television channel. Then again, pigs might fly.

It would also be interesting to know whether John MacLeod is a paid up member of the New Labout Numpty Party.

5

karin m,

16/10/2007 02:07:14

This article tells you everything you need to know about what gordon brown thinks of the SNP being in power. He is obviously terrified. The westminster government has spent over 50 years trying to suppress the nationalsit vote in scotland and now we are seeing in scotland many things happening for the first time. There is no coincidence that this is due to having an SNP government. NOW what I want to know is WHY. What are they so afraid of us finding out?What else have they (westminster)done and not told us? If they can hide the mccrone report for 30 years there are many many more things they could have hidden.

6

Mikey,

16/10/2007 04:32:31

Wait for the NuLab Thatcherites to come on and tell us how they were backing Gaelic all along!

Turkeys!

7

A Better Way,

16/10/2007 05:49:53

It might be time for Alex to stand up again for the Scottish People and ask if the Westminster Government has any other Hidden Reports on Scotland. Be interesting to hear the wording of the reply.

8

EWB,

UK 16/10/2007 06:19:54

Och well, since he is such an ardent supporter of the Gaelic, he should write to BAFTA and excoriate them for not offering "Seachd" as a contender in the foreign-language category for an Oscar. He could also censure BAFTA Scotland as well.

The film received high praise at the Edinburgh film festival last month and was seen as a shoo-in as a contender.

9

Conan the Librarian,

16/10/2007 06:34:09

Yes the Mod...British enough for Gordon?

10

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 16/10/2007 07:26:07

Gordon Broon....too little too late. This is an SNP agenda so beat it.

11

john z,

16/10/2007 07:27:50

Does Gordon Brown not realise, the more he does this kind of thing, the more ridiculous he start to look to people in Scotland.

Anyway, he's an Engerland supporter now. I'm sure his Fife constituents will be chuffed to learn.

12

donald,

weegieland 16/10/2007 07:39:53

He is only supporting the Labour jobs Mafia in sanitising Gaelic

13

Boy Wonder,

16/10/2007 07:40:06

Broon trying to prove his "Scottishness"?? Oh dear, the English UKMPs won't like that!!!

14

I'm no really here,

16/10/2007 07:49:18

Only problem, Maggie Brown, everyone knows it's an International event except most people south of the Border. We don't need to be told what we already know.

As #8 says, perhaps a letter from you to BAFTA would have more effect.

COME ON THE BOKS!!!!

15

Dave M,

16/10/2007 07:53:09

Sounds good to me.

He'll be faxing Alex Salmond next, offering him independence.

16

Cadgers,

Perth 16/10/2007 07:56:55

"Brown hails Mod as 'international event'" He'd be better practising hailing a taxi....oot of Scotland.

17

J. E.,

16/10/2007 08:56:46

If you don't complain, you are less likely to get funding. I think this is a principle which governs the utterances of many who campaign for all manner of causes. John MacLeod, the An Comunn president, is clearly no exception.

This year has seen massive funding go towards Gaelic related projects. For example, a number of dedicated Gaelic schools have been opened, and the number of Gaelic speaking teachers who entered their probationary year more than doubled to 29. (This compares with a net national increase in the number of Gaelic primary and secondary school pupil of only 2 for the year 2006/07).

This year has seen the taxpayer provide £1.3 million for a Gaelic opera on the island of St Kilda, and around £650,000 for a Gaelic film. Soon we will have a dedicated television channel in Gaelic at an annual cost of around £18 million a year.

What sort of “special announcement” does Mr. MacLeod want to hear from the culture minister – generous tax-breaks for all Gaels?

18

Judge&Jury,

Glasgow 16/10/2007 11:09:54

This is really old news, the Radio was talking about this yesterday.

Come on Scotsman, get your journalists out from behind their desks and searching for real exclusives not re-heated TV dinners.

19

'Suck' - McCrunchie,

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/lowvegoilroadtax/ 16/10/2007 13:37:23

Sorry, but I just cannot relate to this Mod thing.

Also, if it appeared on TV while you were watching, 99% of us would switch over. It's related to a near dead language some people speak as a hobby, but would the money spent on teaching kids not be better spent on more computers for schools?

I realise many people will see this as an affront to Scottish heritage, but would they not rather see children with better job prospects than clinging to a an anachronism?

Pride in a nation can be shown in many ways, even down to something like reading this site or choosing this newspaper. But, its an individual preference, not one we try to shove down each others throats, as seems to be the case with those advocating Gaelic.

Heritage by definition is inherent, but its expression requires subscription, not compulsion.

Gaelic as a language will never benefit Scotland, as fewer non Scots could draw the association, than would with a tartan hat and red wig combo.

Its even more alarming that Brown feels the need to try to appease Mod followers but claiming its an "international event", when the main international aspect, is those and "those of", who saw fit to leave our shores, return to visit "the old country" which they perceive as a "bonny Morag in the glen"/Brigadoon type land.

So Brown, you changed your mind about the election, was there any need to praise the Mod?

And Mod activists, do you not feel you contribute to many foreign nationals doubting Scotland has TVs rather that realising we invented them?

20

S153,

16/10/2007 15:05:04

Gaelic should be banned forthwith and taxpayers should not be paying one single penny to promote it or teach it. End this nonsense now!

21

d.j.,

16/10/2007 15:29:10

I really can't beleive that nationalists can be so anti-Gaelic as I am reading here. Surely for goodess sake a Minister for Gaelic could say a few words in Gaelic at such an event. It's like Alex Salmond going to France and only speaking in English, maybe that's how nationalists behave --promoting English where ever they go.

The SNP the new English Nationalists what next?

22

Calum Crubag,

16/10/2007 16:42:20

Brown visited Sabhal Mor Ostaig ahead of the 1997 general election to give the supposedly 'non-political' lecture in which he talked of the strength of the union. He was really there to shore up support for ex-Runrig man Donnie Munro in his attempt to win the Skye seat for Labour. He failed. Mostly because of the hated Skye Bridge tolls which Labour supported.

Maybe J.E. proposes paying back the money the Sgitheanaich and others wasted on this hijack? J.E. is right though, Gaels do deserve more money. Just look at the amount the BBC spends on English-centred telly.

23

Miss H,

16/10/2007 16:44:09

21

If we had a minister for Gaelic I am sure he/she would.

Linda Fabiani is the minister for Europe, External Affairs & Culture. That's quite a wide remit and Gaelic is only part of that.

24

Bystander,

Edinburgh 16/10/2007 18:46:54

#19 Couldn't agree more. Also,why does every Gaelic word look like the result of a very bad spell-checker?

25

Bystander,

Edinburgh 16/10/2007 18:48:26

By the way,I'm as proud to be Scottish as anyone else.

26

Dave M,

16/10/2007 22:09:30

Bystander

Deriding Gaelic doesn't do you, or Crunchieboy, any favours.

My mother wasn't allowed to speak Gaelic when she was growing up.

I'm determined to learn Gaelic, even at my advanced age and general inability to learn languages.

27

Dave M,

16/10/2007 22:34:05

Bystander and Crunchie

Here is a weblink showing more than a few words of Gaelic derivation which are now staples of the English language.

Its fascinating and I hope you take a look!

http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/cananan/beurla/faclan.html

Ironically, the Mod is on BBC2 as I type and excellent it is too.

I'm very proud to be a Scot when I hear the talent within.


 

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