Help Sitemap Home Skip Navigation Contact Us Disability Statement


Gold medallists hit a high note at the Mod

Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image

Published Date: 19 October 2007
By MURRAY MACLEOD
PEOPLE in a remote corner of the Highlands were toasting a double success yesterday, when individual singers from the area won coveted Gold Medals at the Royal National Mod in Fort William.
Jean MacKay, originally from Sutherland, and James Graham, from Lochinver, scooped the prestigious prizes at the annual celebration of Gaelic music and culture yesterday.

It was a fitting tribute for an area which was once populated by a large nu
mber of Gaelic speakers, but which has witnessed a sharp decline in language-related activity over the years.

Ms MacKay, who has been in the final a total of ten times before, said the secret of her success was being able to dedicate more time for rehearsal.

"My coach Margaret MacKinnon, originally from South Uist, moved to Inverness this year and that gave me more of a chance to practice," Ms MacKay said.

Many of the Mod-goers now believe that the Gold Medal, which launched the careers of many renowned Gaelic singers, has lost its way as it is more centred on the classical style of operatic music.

The Traditional Medal is now seen as the most important solo competition.

However, Mr Graham, 25, said: "The Gold Medal is more disciplined; it's more of a test. I'm all in favour of change, but there's no point doing it just for change's sake. With the traditional you get to do your own thing."

He said that while there had been a debate surrounding the future of the Mod, he firmly believed that the week-long festival holds significant value in terms of promoting the Gaelic language.

"I've been attending the Mod since I was seven or eight and it's been great fun," said Mr Graham. "It's really what encouraged me to start Gaelic singing."

The award is expected to launch the professional career of Mr Graham, who unveiled his first CD just after completing the competition. "Gaelic singing is really strong and an indication of that is the large number of albums being produced," he said.

Meanwhile, there was equal reason for celebration in the Western Isles as two local singers lifted the award for Traditional singing.

Mary Macmillan, 33, from South Uist, and David Mackenzie, 28, from Lochs, on Lewis, impressed the judges with their rendition of songs from the islands.

Malcolm MacLean, from the competition sponsors Proiseact nan Ealan [The Gaelic arts agency], said: "The traditional used to be the Cinderella event at the Mod and it's great to see the way it has grown over recent years to become the most popular event. Traditional singing is at the heart of Gaelic culture and is a unique art form that is perhaps at last receiving the recognition it deserves."

Allan Campbell, who chaired the competition, believed the traditional competition could unlock a treasure trove of Gaelic-singing talent.

"I think there is a lot of talent not yet coming forward and I would appeal to people, especially in the islands, to come forward and take the opportunity to display their talents," he said.

In the Gaelic choirs events, it was a good day for Lewis, as Lochs swept the board in the rural choirs competition, winning the overall Lorne Shield and the Mrs MacDonald Memorial Baton.

Conductor Ronnie Murray, a construction surveyor from Stornoway, said: "We have in previous years won occasional prizes and come close to the big trophies, but this year we just seemed to have the right blend of voices to carry off just about everything.

"There was only one competition in the afternoon that we did not win."

MOD RESULTS – THURSDAY


ORAL (FLUENT) A204 Poetry Recitation 1. Mairead NicGuaire, Am Ploc. 2. F Ann MacLean, North Connel.

A205 Prose Recitation 1. F Ann MacLean, North Connel. 2. Mairead NicGuaire, Am Ploc.

A206 Prose Reading 1. Ailean Domhnallach, Inverness. 2. equal F Ann MacLean, North Connel. Mairead NicGuaire, Am Ploc.

Glasgow Skye Association Gold Medal (A204, A205 and A206) – F Ann MacLean, North Connel.
Cardonald Highlanders’ Association Cup (A204, A205 and A206) – F Ann MacLean, North Connel.
VOCAL SOLOS GS224 Gold Medal Finals (Ladies) 1. Jean MacKay, Inverness. 2. Joy Dunlop, Connel. 3. Sineag MacIntyre, South Uist. 4. F Ann MacLean, North Connel.

GS224 Gold Medal Finals (Men) 1. James Graham, Lochinver. 2. Lyle Kennedy, Stirlingshire. 3. John Boa, Edinburgh. 4. Steven MacIomhair, Naast.


A230 Traditional (women) (Moray Trophy) 1. Wilma Kennedy, Dundee. 2. Kerry Finlay, Alness. 3. Amanda Millen, Roy Bridge. 4.equal Margaret McLeman, Isle of Lewis. Mary MacMillan, Glasgow.

A231 Traditional (men) (Lochaber Rotary Club Trophy) 1. David MacKenzie, Lochs. 2. Darren MacLean, Isle of Skye. 3. Calum Rothach, Glen Urchardainn.

Donald Murray Memorial Trophy (A230 and A231) jointly awarded to – David MacKenzie, Lochs and Wilma Kennedy, Dundee.


Scotia Trophy – SS254 Silver Pendant Final (Learners) Women 1. Jennifer Spiers, Isle of Lewis. 2. Linn Phipps, Isle of Lewis. 3. Anne Marie Campbell, Fort William. 4. Rena Gertz, Edinburgh.

Men 1. Somerled Smith, Cumbernauld. 2. Allan Bremner, Oldmeldrum. 3. Iain Gordon, Nairn. 4. Donald R MacIver, Poolewe.

Morag Robb Memorial Salver for Gaelic – Allan Bremner, Oldmeldrum.

John A MacRae Quaich for Music – Somerled Smith, Cumbernauld.

A279 Solo singing with instrumental accompaniment (Largs Trophy) 1. Raymond Bremner, Thrumster. 2. Iain Blar, Gourock.


A305 Grampian TV Trophy (Ladies) 1. Lochs Gaelic Choir. 2. Laxdale Ladies Choir. 3. Coisir Sgir a’ Bhac.

Angus MacTavish Memorial Trophy for Gaelic – Lochs Gaelic Choir.
Blairgowrie Rotary Club Trophy for Music – Lochs Gaelic Choir.
A306 Puirt-a-Beul (Aline MacKenzie Memorial Trophy) 1. Lochs Gaelic Choir. 2. Coisir Sgir a’ Bhac. 3. Coisir Ghaidhlig Thaigh an Uillt.

Calum Robertson Memorial Trophy for Gaelic – Lochs Gaelic Choir.
Evelyn Huckbody Memorial Trophy for Music – Lochs Gaelic Choir.
The John Young Memorial Baton for the conductor of the winning Choir – Lochs Gaelic Choir.

A276 QUARTETS (Stornoway Gaelic Choir Cup) 1. Boireannaich Alainn. 2. Scarbh. 3. Na h-uiseagan. 4. Ceol nan Allt.

Marshall Stormonth Memorial Trophy for music – Boireannaich Alainn.

A277 FOLK GROUPS (Marshall Stormonth Memorial Trophy) 1. Sunndach. 2. Gleusda. 3. Ceol bho Thuath.

DRAMA “West Highland Free Press” Quaich (premier award) – Buidheann Drama Uibhist.
Susan B. MacDonald Trophy (best producer) – Buidheann Drama Uibhist.
Badenoch Shield (best original Gaelic play of the year) – Buidheann Drama Inbhir Nis.
Dr Lynn Hagman Trophy (best actress) – Maggie Willonghy, Buidheann Drama Chille Mhoire.
Dr Lynn Hagman Trophy (best actor) – Calum Munro, Buidheann Drama Inbhir Nis.
Strathspey Highland Malt Whisky Trophy (best stage presentation) – Buidheann Drama Uibhist.
Art MacLeod Memorial Trophy (best acted play) – Buidheann Drama Chille Mhoire.


Donald Thomson Prizes for Gaelic: Men (A221, A223 and GS224) 1. James Graham, Lochinver. 2. John Boa, Edinburgh.
Women (A220, A222 and GS224) 1. Jean MacKay, Inverness. 2. Joy Dunlop, Connel.

Gilbert MacPhail Prizes for Music (A221, A223 and GS224) 1. James Graham, Lochinver. 2. Lyle Kennedy, Stirlingshire.

RURAL CHOIRS A300 Lorn Shield 1. Lochs Gaelic Choir. 2. Coisir Sgir a’ Bhac. 3. Coisir Ghaidhlig Mhealabhaich.

Dalriada Cup for Gaelic – Coisir Sgir a’ Bhac.

Captain Angus Stewart Trophy for Music – Lochs Gaelic Choir.
Mrs Catherine C. MacDonald Silver Baton – Ronald Murray, Lochs Gaelic Choir

A303 Sheriff MacMaster Campbell Memorial Quaich 1. Coisir Ghaidhlig Thaigh an Uillt. 2. Coisir Ghaidhlig Tairbeart Loch Fin. 3. Lairg Gaelic Choir.

Selma Shield for Gaelic – Coisir Ghaidhlig Thaigh an Uillt.
Grace Robertson Memorial Baton – Coisir Ghaidhlig Thaigh an Uillt.



Page 1 of 1

 
1

inter alia,

19/10/2007 06:05:49

Watched this last night on BBC2. Not my language [English, reasonable French, German and Italian up to asking for the bill]. Be wrong if this gets the chop in the BBC cuts. There is a distinct culture here that needs expression.

2

Boy Wonder,

19/10/2007 07:49:25

#1. Except it's caught in a timewarp somewhere in the 1930-40s.

MODernise ... or go under with the cuts!

3

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 19/10/2007 08:37:20

Not wanting to add fuel to the gaelic/no gaelic fire but yes, it requires modernisation if you want to attract kids in larger numbers to take on gaelic.

Many kids are really put off the Mod et al as it's centered around very old songs that have little meaning to the kids. Bring it up to date, MTV style and the kids will lap it up. Of course, there is a place for the traditional style of gaelic songes, poetry etc, but there has to be equal measures of modern material too.

The Scotsman was/is highlighting that in it's gaelic section i.e. translating modernish(ish) rock tunes into gaelic.

4

Gusto,

19/10/2007 11:06:15

#3. well said - I agree with you there Dave, but its a slippery slope to the mindless commercialism of MTV. If they can avoid that, or add a section to accommodate, that would be preferable. How far are Runrig from the MOD?. It has to remain traditional(ish) - dont forget, Russia has by far the biggest and most prestigeous traditional singing competition in the galaxy - won, incidentally TWICE by gaelic singers - Calum Kennedy (way back) and more recently, the phenomenal voice of Julie Fowlis - and they both absolutely deserved it.

5

Calum Crubag,

19/10/2007 11:57:26

Tha mi dol leibh. Agree all. The Mod is still old fashioned and dour. Some of the judges, at local Mods too, are like the old school masters who beat Gaelic out of our parents.

Runrig broke the mold in the 70s, which ground breaking Gaelic rock music and politically aware lyrics too, but not much has changed. Too much of Gaelic music just consists of pretty wee lassies singing the same old songs. Most of them can't or don't even use Gaelic other than to sing in.

We need more of the likes of old Runrig, Oi Polloi, La Luain, Mill a h-Uile Rud, Na h-Aislingean, Meantime and one or two others.

6

Boy Wonder,

19/10/2007 14:29:53

#6. JH ... I love Runrig. Their road manager of some years ago was a friend of mine.

You got me all wrong too, J. I only argue over the historicity of the origins of the Gaelic. I try to learn but it is (for me) hard to master. I have no teacher, but I am making some headway, only because I'm researching into areas where some knowledge of Gaelic is needed.

But, if Gaelic IS to thrive, it needs to embrace today's culture a lot more and become more widespread. I blame TV for the deadly dull Gaelic programmes it makes and the TV speakers for their monotone delivery!!

7

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 19/10/2007 18:46:39

Hurrah! We have eventually reached a zeitgeist! After all my mealy moothed protestations of our Gaelic, we finally have come to an agreement!

Now, lets bring Gaelic into the 21st century, which means if we have to make new words for the 21st century, then so be it.

As for Runrig?? Puulleeasse, my kids have just asked, who? I feel ancient........Lets think McFly, or X Factor in Gaelic, then we can talk!

Finally, my work here is done (well almost).........took long enough!


 

Comment on this Story

 

In order to post comments you must Register or Sign In

 
 
RSS Feed of this article's comments
Delivery formats: RSS, Atom, Javascript & Email
 
 


Sister Newspapers:
Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.