THE adult competitions at this year’s Royal National Mod in Fort William kicked off yesterday. Commonly known as Literature Day at the Mod, events including drama, poetry and storytelling took place throughout the day.
Competitions in singing were also held in venues across the area, with the coveted Gold Medal and Silver Pendant finals being presented in the Nevis Centre.
The prestigious Gaelic Learner of the Year award went to Ross Christie of Kilchrenan, and was presented by Kenneth Matheson of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society.
It acknowledges a Gaelic learner who has made significant steps to becoming fluent, with Christie, having started learning Gaelic just last year, continuing his studies now at Sabhal Mor, Skye’s Gaelic higher education college.
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The Gaelic Learner of the Year Award is a fantastic recognition, and Ross Christie is a deserving winner.”
“Two of the most prestigious awards at the Royal National Mod take place this afternoon, and the standard of entries this year is high, so we know there will be some fantastic performances. No doubt the adjudicators will have their work cut out for them – it’ll be a difficult decision to make.”
Matheson said: “As a charity with a remit to champion Scottish culture as well as farming, food and rural life we are proud to be associated with the Royal National Mod and congratulate Ross on his achievement.”
Miles and Eva Campbell [Maoilios and Eubha Chaimbeul] both found success in the writing categories.
Miles won first place in the L400A Children’s Book category, and granddaughter Eva came second in the C46A Short Story category.
Anna Tait Westwell, from Oban, took the top spot in the B332 Clarsach competition, winning the Sir Philip Christison Trophy.
Yesterday saw the first ever Charlie MacColl award being presented to the overall winner of the girls and boys traditional competition (ages 16-18). The trophy was presented by his wife Mairi, and son Calum, who today competes in the Traditional Singing Competitions.
Fringe events will also continue at the Mòd today, with Dr Hugh Dan MacLennan reflecting on his background growing up in Caol, in his talk From Lochaber to the National Library of Scotland’. He’ll discuss his journey to the National Library of Scotland – via shinty, universities and broadcasting.
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