Highland artists make shortlist in Highland Art Prize after finalists announced at Royal National Mòd
Day two of the Royal National Mòd brought joy for a number of Highland artists after they were named on the final shortlist for this year’s Highland Art Prize.
The final 12 hopefuls were named on Sunday as the Mòd continues to celebrate a successful opening weekend on its homecoming return to Oban, where the first ever Mòd took place in 1892.
The 12 impressive works hand-picked for the final of the Highland Art Prize by celebrated artist and teacher Ishbel Murray include works from creators in Ullapool, Dingwall and Inverness.
The full shortlist is as follows:
● Blue Grey Sea, Cille Pheadair, South Uist/Sé Liath, Cille Pheadair, South Uist by Caroline Hunter from Artmap Argyll
● Dùthchas: Pabaigh Strollers by Yasmin Davidson of Uist Arts Association
● In the Wilds/Anns an Fhàsach by David Deamer from Resipole Studios, Ardnamurchan
● Inverewe - Branches Make Trees by Catherine Sargeant of An Talla Solais in Ullapool
● Metamorphic (2023) by Laura Donkers of Uist Arts Association
● Rust, Trotternish by John Nicholson at Art Society of Inverness
● Snow Colours, Moray Firth by Jude Edgar from An Talla Solais, Ullapool
● The Edge of the Atlantic 3 by Lesley McKenzie of Open Studios Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis
● The Vast Expanse/An Leud Mòr by Jane Rushton of Resipole Studios in Ardnamurchan
● The Vennel by Katie Squires from the Society of Caithness Artists;
● Travelling Alone by Jules Mather from Artmap Argyll
● 240 Burning Houses by Michael Forbes of the Teapot Trust, Dingwall.
This year’s winner will be announced at a prestigious prize giving ceremony at the Rockfield Centre on Friday.
Sunday’s announcement follows yesterday’s opening day celebrations in Oban, which included music, art and sport.
Gaelic speaking football players gathered for the first of a two-day National Team Training Camp hosted by the Alba Football Association. The association was established to use football as a force to connect, inspire and grow Scottish Gaelic through community football activity.
Last night also saw the much-anticipated Ar Cànan’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert at the Corran Halls for what was a truly special showcase of Argyll musical prowess.
The concert, musically directed by Sileas Sinclair and compered by John Joe MacNeil, presented an array of local talent including stunning performances from celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, Fèis Latharna musicians, Oban Gaelic Choir, The Garvins, Sorren MacLean and Hannah Fisher, and what is thought to be the world’s first Makaton Gaelic Choir, ‘Aon Ghuth’.
Unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions the historic sporting fixtures were cancelled yesterday. The Mòd Shinty Cups for all ages were rained off at Mossfield Playing Fields. Organisers plan to play some of the competitions at a later date if possible.
Meanwhile, today, the annual Mòd Church Service will be held at Oban Parish Church at 3pm and will be broadcast live around the country on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. Tonight, The Corran Halls will play host to Celtic Praise featuring a beautiful performance from Celtic Worship.
Across the week there will be more opportunities to try out new sports and activities, with an Orienteering Challenge for young Gaelic speakers taking place tomorrow and Stand Up Paddleboarding sessions, a lego building workshop and drone flying lessons also taking place throughout the festival.
Also to come, the competitions continue with Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of The Bands Competitions) taking place on Monday and Tuesday this week, the Literature Prize Giving, Mòd Drama Final and Gold Medal competition taking place on Wednesday, the coveted Traditional Gold Medal final taking place on Thursday and much-loved choir competitions on Friday.
James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The outstanding musical and artistic talent on display at the Royal National Mòd 2024 here in Oban has set an incredible tone for the week ahead. From Mànran’s electrifying performance to the remarkable talent of local artists, the opening weekend has brought the Mòd’s birthplace to life in spectacular style. The Mòd has an incredible power to invigorate and inspire and this is already being felt as we hear Gaelic being spoken and sung in every corner of Oban.
“This weekend wasn’t just about the music— today’s Church Service and Celtic Praise concert provide an important opportunity for coming together in reflection and gratitude. It’s truly a joy to see Gaelic’s premier event kick off with such a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultural opportunities, celebrating the richness of our language."
This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, Bid4Oban, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.
The Royal National Mòd runs in Oban until Saturday, October 19.
Tickets for select events are on sale at https://ancomunn.eventbrite.co.uk/.
For more information, visit www.ancomunn.co.uk. The fringe programme is available to view here.
