PICS: Choirs from Dingwall and the Black Isle at the Royal National Mòd
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Ross-shire choirs joined in with the Royal National Mòd which took place in Inverness last week.
With interest from the USA, South America and Europe as well as Down Under and Japan organisers, An Comunn Gaidhealach, said this year’s hybrid event of in-person and online competitions was a resounding success.
Dingwall Gaelic Choir held a celebration of one of its members, Alison Rapson, née Mathieson, who had chalked up 50 years since winning the Mòd gold medal in Stirling in 1971.
The long-established choir also performed at a showcase in Eden Court last Friday afternoon.
On the Thursday one of the newest choirs in the Gaelic world also took to the stage in the Inverness theatre, the Black Isle Gaelic Choir, conducted by Kirsteen Maclennan.
While there were no “in-person” competitions this year for choirs due to Covid restrictions, 16 choral groups from across Scotland took part in the musical showcase virtually on the Thursday and Friday afternoons.
There were more than 400 online participants across 86 online competitions in all, including piping, poetry and accordion. These drew in online viewers from the UK, USA, New Zealand, Japan and Europe.
Altogether organisers said 320 people from choirs took part in this year’s event.
And a further 70 individuals who took part in competitions for both children and adults throughout the week.
The Royal National Mòd 2021 closed in style with a massed choir event in the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness which both the Dingwall and Black Isle choirs attended.
James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “It’s safe to say that the Mòd has been a huge success this year and we’re over the moon that the hybrid approach has given everyone the opportunity to enjoy the festivities at home and in countries right around the world.
“Inverness has been well worth the wait and an important step towards a full-scale in-person Mòd next year – thanks to everyone who made this possible.
“We are very much looking forward to bringing our Gaelic festival of culture and song to Perth in 2022.”
Councillor Calum Munro, chairman of Highland Council’s Gaelic committee, said: “It’s been a real privilege for Highland Council to host this year’s Royal National Mòd in Inverness. In challenging circumstances, a fantastic Gaelic cultural event has taken place which has brought pleasure to many who attended in person and to many other viewers around the world.
“In addition, some excellent competitions have brought several very worthy and talented medal winners to our attention who are a credit to their culture.
“I would like to recognise the huge amount of work put into a successful Mòd by An Comunnn Gàidhealach and the volunteers who supported the local organising committee.
“This year was an important milestone.”
