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Gold Medal controversy casts a shadow over Mod performances

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Published Date: 18 October 2007
By MURRAY MACLEOD
ONE of the most prestigious events at the Royal National Mod yesterday came in for some stinging criticism from an unexpected source - a former winner of one of the competitions.
During a formal debate on the future of the Mod, Margaret Stewart-Harding said the Gold Medal, which launched her own professional singing career, no longer had cultural relevance.

"I hear songs that do not reflect the heritage of the language,"
she said. "The competition should really reflect the language and the poetry behind the songs, but we do not have that now because people are learning the songs in the wrong way."

Mrs Harding, who comes from Lewis and won the competition in 1993, received some support from Arthur Cormack, a renowned Gaelic singer from Skye who himself won the same Gold Medal in 1983. Mr Cormack is also the director of the successful Gaelic festival movement, Feisean nan Gaidheal.

"I agree to an extent," he said. "But the Mod Gold Medal is still appealing and while it's still appealing I think we should keep it. It's interesting to note that in recent years we have seen much more interest, and a greater number of entries, in the Traditional medals and I think that shows you where people feel the importance lies. But as long as the Gold Medal continues to attract attention, then I think we should keep it."

For most of its history the Mod's premier solo singing competition has been regarded as the Gold Medal, but critics, like Mrs Harding, now complain that the "operatic" style is alien to the roots of Gaelic oral tradition.

The Traditional Medal, or "Trad" as it is sometimes known, was only introduced in 1971, but has grown in popularity over the years - a fact which is reflected in this year' entries with a total of 21 competitors in the male and female section.

Mark Wringe, a lecturer at the Gaelic college Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye, felt the entire Gold Medal competition should be entirely abolished as it has long since lost its relevance and value. "I am very embarrassed to hear the Gold Medal style of singing," he said.

"It is an affront to our culture and I am so embarrassed to listen to this style of singing. We have become stuck in the fashion of when the Mod started."

Debate chairman Allan Campbell, one of the leading personalities involved in Gaelic development over the last 25 years, said that while there had been considerable discussions as to the detailed format of the Mod, the debate had provided the festival with a stamp of approval.

"I think it is encouraging that no-one, in this room at least, has called for the abolition of the Mod," he said while closing yesterday's debate.

"I think that is a reflection of people's opinion."

Meanwhile, a fatal car crash near Fort William threatened to cast a dark cloud over yesterday's proceedings, as police were forced to shut one of the main arteries into the town for up to four hours.

Many competitors and visitors were stuck in the mile-long tailback, resulting in the delay of some of the competitions.

The incident happened at around 8am at an accident blackspot known as Three-mile Water. There was at least one fatality.

Mod promotions manager Murdo Morrison said: "We did out best to extend the competitions, but at the end of the day it wasn't something we had prepared for.

"Our thoughts are with the people involved and their families. When something like this happens it puts the Mod and all the festivities into perspective."

Today will see the start of the main adult competitions at the Mod, with the hosting of the rural choirs and the main solo-singing events, including the Gold Medal and the Traditional.

There will also be a guest appearance from Prince Edward, who will attend some of the day's competitions.

MOD RESULTS – WEDNESDAY

A270 Kennedy-Fraser Cup 1. Alexandra NicDhomhnaill Jones, London. 2. Chelsea McLean, Campbeltown. 3. Mairi-Louise Napier, Grantown on Spey.

A271 Mull or Iona Song (Sarah Weir Trophy) 1. Eilidh J Davies, Invergarry. 2. Lorna NicCarmaig, Isle of Skye. 3. Janet MacSween, Dunkeld.


A251 Learners (men) (Katie Stewart Memorial Trophy) 1. Somerled Smith, Cumbernauld. 2. Donald R MacIver, Poolewe. 3. Iain Gordon, Nairn. 4.equal Stuart Jackson, Argyll. Allan Bremner, Oldmeldrum.


A253 Sea Song (men) (Bank of Scotland Cup) 1. Allan Bremner, Oldmeldrum.
2. Iain Gordon, Nairn. 3. Somerled Smith, Cumbernauld. 4. Donald R MacIver, Poolewe.

A221 Fluent (men) (Caledonian MacBrayne Trophy) 1. Steven MacIomhair, Naast. 2. Lyle Kennedy, Stirlingshire. 3. James Graham, Lochinver. 4. John Boa, Edinburgh.


A250 Learners (women) (Margot Campbell Trophy) 1. Dolina Munro, Port Glasgow. 2. Linn Phipps, Isle of Lewis. 3. Anne Marie Campbell, Fort William. 4. Jennifer Spiers, Isle of Lewis.


A252 Working Song (Catherine M.B. Dunlop Quaich) 1. Jennifer Spiers, Isle of Lewis. 2. Anne Marie Campbell, Fort William.
3. Rena Gertz, Edinburgh. 4. Linn Phipps, Isle of Lewis.


A220 Fluent (women) (Mary C. MacNiven Memorial Salver) 1. Sineag MacIntyre, South Uist. 2. Jean MacKay, Inverness. 3. Alexandra NicDhomhnaill Jones, London. 4. Ceitidh Smith, Kyle of Lochalsh.


A234 Fluent (men and women) (“Oban Times” Gold Medal) 1. Kerry Finlay, Alness. 2. Darren MacLean, Isle of Skye. 3. Lyle Kennedy, Stirlingshire.


A233 Puirt-a-Beul (Fluent) (Duncan Johnston Memorial Trophy) 1. Raymond Bremner, Thrumster. 2. Amanda Millen, Roy Bridge.
3. Alexandra NicDhomhnaill Jones, London.

A248 Traditional (learners) (George Clavey Memorial Quaich) 1. Nicola Pearson, Carnoustie. 2. Donald R MacIver, Poolewe. 3. Somerled Smith, Cumbernauld.

A272 Former Prizewinners, Local Mods (Lochewe Branch Cup) 1. Emma AC Deans, Comar nan Allt. 2. Janet MacSween, Dunkeld. 3. F Ann MacLean, North Connel

A274 Skye or Sutherland Song (John D. Gillies Memorial Trophy) 1. Rachael MJ Deans, Comar nan Allt. 2. Jean MacKay, Inverness. 3. John Howieson, Isle of Skye.


A273 Precenting a Psalm (Dr Alistair Barden Memorial Salver) 1. Donald A Matheson, Isle of Lewis. 2. Ailean Domhnallach, Inverness.

DUETS
A275 (Neil MacLean and Jenny M.B. Currie Trophy) 1. Emma AC Davies & Rachael MJ Deans, Comar nan Allt. 2. Nicola Pearson & Wilma Kennedy, Carnoustie. 3. Riona JI Whyte, Isle of Mull & Raymond Bremner, Thrumster


CLARSACH Solos (Junior) B320 With Gaelic Songs (Glendale Quaich) 1. Mischa MacPherson, Sgoil MhicNeacail. 2. Calum MacLeod, City of Edinburgh Music School. 3. Eilidh Munro, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir

B321 Beginners (Helmsdale Trophy) 1. Daisy May Nash, Bun-sgoil Bhreascleit. 2. Lisa-Marie Parkinson, Oban. 3. Kirsty Gaughan, Bun-sgoil Crois na Cìse.


B322 Elementary (Florence Wilson Trophy) 1. Rowan KM Paterson, Ard-sgoil an Obain. 2. Zoe MacKay, Elgol Primary. 3. Katherine Jackson, Oban.


B323 Intermediate (K. Barry Milner Trophy) 1. Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul, Sgoil Shleite. 2. Isla Short, Biggar Primary School. 3. Katherine Stanley-Whyte, Lomond School.


B324 Advanced (Duncan Chisholm Trophy) 1. Mairi Chaimbeul, Sgoil Shleite. 2. Karen Pollard, Lockerbie Academy. 3. Elinor Nicholson, Biggar.


B332 Former Winners of B324 (Sir Philip Christison Trophy) 1. Ciorstaidh Pheutan, Ard-sgoil Phort Righ. 2. Calum MacLeod, City of Edinburgh Music School. 3. Chloe Young, City of Edinburgh Music School.


Solos (Open) B328 Accompanying of a Singer (Jean C. Campbell Memorial Trophy) 1. Calum MacLeod, City of Edinburgh Music School. 2. Elinor Nicholson, Biggar. 3. Chloe Young, City of Edinburgh Music School.


B329 Original Composition (Margaret Balfour Trophy) 1. Chloe Young, City of Edinburgh Music School. 2. Eilidh Munro, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir. 3. Rebecca Hill, Connel.

Duets B330 Under 13 (Lord Birsay Trophy) 1. Iona R MacLeod & Una Gallagher, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu. 2. Fraser Munro & Blair Hendy, Bun-sgoil Innis an Uillt.


B330A 13-19 (Comunn na Clarsaich Cup) 1. Chloe Young & Calum MacLeod, City of Edinburgh Music School. 2. Helen Smith & Karen Pollard, Kirkcudbright Acamemy. 3. Elinor Evans & Catriona O’Sullivan, Boroughmuir High School.

B336 Voice and Clarsach Duo (Comunn na Clarsaich Edinburgh Branch Trophy) 1. Catherine Tinney & Stephany Tinney, Ardsgoil Phort Righ. 2. Mairi Chaimbeul & Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul, Sgoil Shleite. 3. Eilidh Munro & Heather Kindness, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir.


B333 Senior (Drumelzier Quaich) 1. Janette Bain & Meg Carroll, Clackmannanshire.


Ensembles B331 Open (Pilgrim Harps Trophy) 1. Na caileagan pinc.



Page 1 of 1

 
1

The Fly Fifer,

Fife 18/10/2007 00:58:56

She is correct ............ dumbing down for wanna be speakers

2

'Suck' - McCrunchie,

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/lowvegoilroadtax/ 18/10/2007 02:02:39

1. The Fly Fifer

Dumbing down?

"THE continued success of Gaelic-medium education is providing organisers of the Royal National Mod with a welcome headache - how to cope with the huge number of children who are now being classed as fluent."

http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=600&id=165563...

The only "dumbing" aspect, is the time wasted from relevant studies.

3

Guga II,

Rockall 18/10/2007 03:17:54

The Traditional Medal should be the main competition.

4

Boy Wonder,

18/10/2007 06:12:03

Don't get me wrong ... I actually don't mind people struggling to keep the Gaelic alive. That's great ... but, what gets me is the old-fashionedness of it all.

Shouldn't a language reflect the culture of the people who are learning it? What I see is the culture of very old people being reflected. It's like watching people stuck in a timewarp. It does not reflect life today as it is.

Forget "traditional" ... move with the times ... where's the Gaelic pop and rock songs? Where's the modern poetry??

Get with the programme or this exercise in trying to save the old language will deserve to fail!

5

J. E.,

18/10/2007 06:12:54

The Gold Medal competition is: “ONE of the most prestigious events at the Royal National Mod”.

“Mark Wringe, a lecturer at the Gaelic college Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye, felt the entire Gold Medal competition should be entirely abolished”.

Debate chairman Allan Campbell states: ‘"I think it is encouraging that no-one, in this room at least, has called for the abolition of the Mod,".’

Mr Campbell, strictly speaking, may be correct; but it is often said that we find what we choose to look for. With his capacity for spin, Mr Campbell would fit easily into any government press office!

6

Gusto,

18/10/2007 10:55:28

"Classed as fluent" ? by whom? whatever happened to "native speakers" and "learners"
The mod, as one of the few competitions have the authority that if in any part of the competition no one competitor is actually good enough to merit gold, it will simply be witheld.
Mebbe its all changing again....

7

Calum Crubag,

18/10/2007 11:49:21

Good to see JE whinging again. Pity he doesen't have the courage to go and find out, in person and not from his 'stats', how successful Gaelic medium is and the importance of Gaelic in Scotland's identity.

#4 - agree, we need a modern Gaelic identity too and not just one that looks to the past. There are a handful of Gaelic punk/pop bands who, JE will be pleased, use Gaelic naturally as a medium without any government grants. They organised their own gigs and records with very little support from the 'Gaelic mainstream'. The Welsh have done it for years, time the Gaels did it too.

8

An Taghan,

Cill Fhinnean 18/10/2007 11:51:18

The kids at Gaelic medium have, unfortunately, very bad Gaelic, and I can't see how they can be classed as fluent. Mine's is bad enough after university, but the kids really struggle to string sentences together (those without Gaelic speaking parents at least).

This is a great shame, and not the fault of the kids, but that of the inability, over the last fifty years or so, of Gaelic agencies to show some backbone and stand up for the language like the Welsh have done. We thus have no Gaelic T.V. channel which means kids watch English cartoons, and G.M.E. which has plateaued because no one kens it exists.

The term 'fluent' must now be dumbed down, because no one will be in thirty years time.

9

Calum Crubag,

18/10/2007 11:52:39

Gaelic punk
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oi_Polloi

10

Calum Crubag,

18/10/2007 11:56:31

#8 - the kids in English medium have bad English.

In the circumstances, where English is a universal language, that's very bad. The Gaelic kids do well and some GM kids have won medals at the mod against native counterparts.

11

Ealasaid,

18/10/2007 12:41:11

#8 Where on earth do you dig that up? : "The kids at Gaelic medium have, unfortunately, very bad Gaelic, and I can't see how they can be classed as fluent. Mine's is bad enough after university, but the kids really struggle to string sentences together (those without Gaelic speaking parents at least)." Please, please, elaborate!

12

d.j.,

18/10/2007 13:27:00

#8
It is good to know that the person from Cill Fhinnean has a lot of backbone and stands up for the Gaelic language at every opportunity.
In that case can this person please inform us what he they have their good work.done so far and the effects of

13

An Taghan,

An Tir Iosal 18/10/2007 21:16:00

#11
I 'dug it up' whilst trying to help the kids at Sradagan, the after school group. This is not meant to be offensive, just a fact. Are the kids in G.M.E. in, say, Edinburgh, as fluent as youths in Ness were fifty years ago? No. Simple fact - they don't 'play' in Gaelic either, as you know. Without T.V. or other ways for the children to use the language, this is always going to be the case.

#12
No need to take a huff - typical childish reaction. What's where I'm from got to do with anything, you dullard? I can't say I've done much outwith writing repeated letters to various bodies (which were ignored usually because they only got about two, as no one else bothers), use addresses, names etc. in Gaelic at all times - at least this way people see the language, posties have to deliver the letters etc. More than most. At the end of the day though, it's not going to make a difference unless lots of people start doing this, and protest properly like the Welsh have done. Unfortunately that's impossible, as too many people have no guts to breal laws, or even get noticed. Oh, I also turned my back on a well paid job to study it. Hope this is enough for you.

Gaelic declines every year, facts are facts; Welsh is growing. Why is that? Oh, must be the sterling efforts of the Teuchters and their sair fecht for a dead tongue. Not to mention their petty reaction to anyone who criticizes said efforts.

14

Calum Crubag,

18/10/2007 22:15:13

#13 - where's your evidence? Have you done comparitive studies on children speaking Gaelic, English and Welsh? How do you know Welsh children are as fluent as native speakers 50 years ago? Are English speaking kids as fluent as they were in the days before Americanised telly and video games?

If Gaelic kids can attain higher than their monolingual counterparts by meeting the same criteria for say, level D Gaelic writing/reading, then does this not prove their fluency? And can you show where the definition of bi-lingualism is 'equal fluency' in both or all tongues?

I don't question your attitudes to Gaelic but in the given circumstances, our kids do very well. Not even native Nisich speak like they did 50 years ago.

Suas leis a' Ghaidhlig, tro eolas thig adhartas.

15

An Taghan,

An Tir Iosal 18/10/2007 22:27:32

What?! Listen to the kids at a Srdagan and it's quite obvious to tell that they ain't fluent, don't be ludicrous, of course the level of fluency has declined.

No, I don't ken if the Welsh are as fluent as they were either - I'd hope so, and I'm sure they're Welsh is stronger than Gaels of similar age due to the infrastructure. I only listen to what lecturers tell me - but what would these people ken about it?

'but in the given circumstances, our kids do very well.' Yes, the circumstances we need to change through showing some courage, which was my initial point, had you read it.

I don't care how fluent Englsh kids are, that's not my concern. I'm sure the are able to convey a message, and are confident enough to play, shout and argue in the language though.

Good God.

16

Nìall,

Far north of the South Shetland Islands 19/10/2007 13:18:40

"If Gaelic kids can attain higher than their monolingual counterparts by meeting the same criteria for say, level D Gaelic writing/reading, then does this not prove their fluency?"

Three words:
Teach To Test

I teach English in the Basque region of Spain, and let me tell you, my pupils score higher on their English tests than the average native English speaker would, but when they try to hold a conversation in English, it is very hard to understand them.

This is because the tests are artificial. If we want our pupils to pass their tests (and if they don't, we'll lose their custom to other schools), we teach them what they need to pass the tests -- not what they need to hold a conversation.

Sounds like that's what happens in some GME.

Can we stop this national obsession with test results, please?

17

d.j.,

19/10/2007 15:49:03

Children who go onto Gaelic Medium education do not just get Gaelic taught as a subject, but every part of the curriculum is taught through Gaelic other than languages, which would be a very silly thing to do anyway.


 

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