Mod News
Mod Cook Books!
Copies of the Mod nan Eilean Siar Cook Book are still available from the An Comunn Gaidhealach office in Stornoway.
They'll make a great Xmas present or stocking filler!
The Cook Book costs £8.00 and contains over 300 pages covering a wide range of recipes - soups and starters, mains, desserts and home baking!
To buy your copy, call into the An Comunn shop in Perceval Square, Stornoway. Alternatively you can telephone 01851 703 487 or email [email protected] and we will post one out to you. (Please note an additional charge of £2 will be added for post & packing costs).
Published: 13th Dec 2011
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Changes to Gaelic Assessment
Following the success of this year's Royal National Mod in the Western Isles (Mod nan Eilean Siar), organisers An Comunn Gaidhealach have announced changes to the Gaelic Assessment scheme, which are now effective for the 2012 event.
The new assessment scheme is similar to the old one but with important differences. There are now sample conversations available online to let competitors see what key structures they should be able to use and the standard of conversation expected for each level. Newly trained assessors will have a check list to ensure the objectivity and fairness of any assessment. Prospective competitors may use any learning method or resources they wish to achieve the fluency required to attain their respective card. An Comunn Gaidhealach recommend that anyone wishing to learn Gaelic in order to gain cards for entry to Mod competitions should visit www.learngaelic.net. For more information please contact 0800 171 2994.
For a full detailed description of the new Gaelic assessment scheme please visit www.acgmod.org/nationalmod/gaelic-assessment or contact An Comunn Gaidhealach on 01463 709 705.
Myles Campbell, who decised the scheme said, "We hope that the sample conversations, which will be easily accessible for everyone on the An Comunn website, will be a help for those applying for Bronze, Silver and Gold cards. It is not expected, of course, that the conversations are followed verbatim at the time of assessment,. Being able to use and respond naturally and approproately to the underlined key structures is the main thing."
Prospective competitors wishing to compete for the Silver Pendant should note that a silver card will now be required to enter this competition. This change will take immediate effect and means competitors who entered the Silver Pendant at the 2011 Mod with a bronze card will now require to attain a silver card in order to take part in this competition from 2012 onwards.
Mod Director Janet MacDonald added, "An Comunn Gaidhealach's main objective in organising the Royal National Mod is the promotion and development of the Gaelic language. With this new assessment scheme it is hoped that we will see competotors making further and continued progress in learning the language in order to gain the cards they need, to compete and take part at the Mod. The nw scheme is less restrictive for competitors but will ensure equality of standards with the rigid marking scheme.
Individual appointments for Gaelic assessment can be mad at anytime throughout the year by contacting An Comun Gaidhealach directly at, 109 Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1EY, tel: 01463 709 705, email: [email protected].
Published: 02nd Dec 2011« Back to Mod News List
Lost Property @ Mod 2011
A number of items were handed in to the An Comunn Gaidhealach office in Stornoway following this year's Royal National Mod. If you are missing any items, please give us a call, or pop in to see us and we will get your items returned to you!
An Comunn Gaidhealach, Leverhulme House, Perceval Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. Telephone 01851 703 487.
Published: 02nd Nov 2011« Back to Mod News List
Prescribed Pieces for 2012
Please click on the link below to view the full list of prescribed pieces for Mod 2012. These are now available to buy so if you would like to purchase any of the pieces please get in touch or pop into either the Inverness or Stornoway office.
Email [email protected] or telephone 01463 231 226 (Inverness office) / 01851 703 487 (Stornoway).
Prescribed Pieces 2012.pdf
Published: 02nd Nov 2011« Back to Mod News List
Mull Mod Results!
The Mull Provincial Mod took place on the 9th and 10th of September. The Mod was a great success and was enjoyed by all!
Please click on the links below to view results:
JUNIOR DUET, GROUP & CHOIR.doc
Published: 28th Oct 2011« Back to Mod News List
Mòd Results available Online
To view the Mòd results you can either open up Royal National Mòd in the left hand column and select Results from the drop down menu or go to the bottom of the home page and in the Royal National Mòd section, select Results.A new page will open up with links to the 2011 Mòd results or the most recent Mòds. Published: 20th Oct 2011
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Photos from Mod 2011 now available
Graham Hood the official Mod photographer now has a collection of Mod 2011 photos available for viewing on his website.
Note: Click on the text below the Mod 2011 photo to see the photographs by day.
To enter Graham's website please click on the link below :
http://grahamhoodphotography.com/?load=flash
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Mòd Ionadail Barraigh is Bhatarsaigh
The first ever Barra & Vatersay Provincial Mòd took place on Friday 30thSeptember and Saturday 1st October in Castlebay school. The venue was ideal and the local committee had worked tirelessly to create a fantastic inaugural event. The committee were delighted with support from the local community and various Gaelic organisations.
Competition in Accordion, Piano, Fiddle, Instrumental and Folk Groups took place on Friday evening. Saturday was the turn of the Piping, Chanter, Oral, Vocal and Choral competitions. Over 300 participated over the two-day event, including 8 Junior choirs, and can only be an indication that this has been long overdue.
Riona Whyte, Provincial Mòd Liaison Officer with An Comunn Gàidhealach, who has visited the island on several occasions to help with organisation, said, ‘it was great to see the hard work of the local committee culminate in a friendly two-day event that worked well for everyone - organisers, competitors, adjudicators, helpers and audiences. It was a privilege to be involved in such a worthwhile and successful event and I look forward to Mòd Ionadail Bharriagh is Bhatarsaigh becoming a permanent fixture on the Provincial Mòd circuit.’
Adjudicators Roddy Campbell, Mary Bishop-Hunt, Anne Kearney, Rona Lightfoot, Paul MacCallum, Janet MacDonald, Katie Anne MacKinnon, Paul MacLean, Anna Wendy Stevenson and Riona Whyte were impressed with the high standards and had a difficult task choosing prize winners. Paul MacCallum commented ‘It is so refreshing to take part in an event that runs so smoothly where everybody works together for the greater good of our music, language and heritage.’
Many competitors had travelled from Uist to participate and this is an excellent indication that the re-established Mòd Iondail Uibhist, scheduled to take place on 2nd June 2012, will be another successful event. Penny Burgess, itinerant Music teacher for the Uists, Benbecula, Eriskay and Barra had done a tremendous amount of work bringing a total of 5 Junior choirs to take part and conducting many of them herself!
The committee were delighted with the level of entries and would like to thank everyone who took part, the army of volunteers who helped throughout the event, the adjudicators for their positive and encouraging remarks, sponsorship and advertising from local businesses and individuals and of course the audiences who came along to support the competitions and ceilidhs.
The venue was buzzing with activity and added to the competitive element there was space for the children and their teachers, tutors and supporters had time to relax in the performance area and canteen. The food was excellent, Gaelic organisations had displays, volunteers provided arts and crafts table to amuse the children between competitions and we even had a visit from Nip the dog from the Gaelic4Parents initiative!
Mòd Iondail Bharraigh is Bhatarsaigh will be added to the already busy Provincial Mòd circuit and dates have already been released for next years event which will take place on Friday 21st and Saturday 22ndSeptember 2012. Further details at www.acgmod.org.
Please visit the Barra & Vatersay Provincial Mod page to view results!
Published: 04th Oct 2011
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Gold Concert Success
The long anticipated month of October, which will see the Royal National Mod being hosted in the Western Isles, got off to a flying start as the local committee hosted a Gold Medal concert on Saturday evening at the Caberfeidh Hotel in Stornoway. The evening brought together a wealth of island talent who won either the Royal National Mod Gold or Traditional Gold Medals. Performing to a packed hall were; Cathie Ann MacLeod, Donald Angie Matheson, Iain MacAulay, Iain MacKay, Jenna Cumming, John Murdo Morrison, John 'Tonkan' MacDonald, Margaret McLeman, Murdo John MacKenzie and a guest performance from An Comunn Gaidhealach’s Mod Manager, James Graham.
A committee member commented:
“The evening could not have gone better and the feedback from the audience was incredibly positive. One lady even commented as she left the hall that ‘she didn’t want the evening to end’! It was a privilege to listen to the performers and it is perhaps an event that we would like to become a regular fixture on our fundraising calendar. We are blessed in the islands to have such a wealth of talent on our own doorstep and I am sure that everyone who attended the event felt that they were part of something very special”.
The concert was recorded by Isles FM and will be broadcasted in the very near future.
Below - the medallists who performed on Saturday evening.
Published: 04th Oct 2011
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Gaelic Showcase at Mod 2011
ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD ANNOUNCES EXCITING LINE UP FOR 2011 GAELIC SHOWCASE
Taking place in the Western Isles for the fifth time in its 120 year history, the 108th Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (The Royal National Mòd), which is Scotland’s premier festival celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, has today announced its 2011 Gaelic Showcase.
The eight day Mòd celebration of Gaelic music, dance, drama, arts and literature, running from Friday 14 until Saturday 22 October, is set to attract thousands of participants from across the globe and embrace the entire community of the Islands including Lewis, Harris, Benbecula, Barra and the Uists.
The showcase, which is taking place in The Nicolson Institute in Stornoway between 17 – 21 October, is a fantastic opportunity for visitors and competitors attending the Mòd to discover more about Gaelic language and Gaelic-related products and services.
Products on show include local produce, books, CD's, artworks, photography and crafts - exhibitors who regularly participate at the Royal National Mòd include Comhairle nan Leabhraichean (Gaelic Books Council), MG Alba, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, SNH, Stòrlann, Comunn na Gàidhlig and the Gaelic Arts Agency (Pròiseact nan Ealan).
Local organisations taking part in the 2011 showcase include Caledonian MacBrayne, Acair Books and Hebridean Chocolate who will have their handmade truffles, chocolate bars and lots of other things to tempt visitors. There will be hand made Harris Tweed items, such as brooches, shoe clips, shoe bags, hats and cushions, and the West Highland Free Press is launching a book ‘Mòd Memories’ which will contain a limited collection of archived photographs and memories taken at the Mòd through the years. This latest book by the Free Press is packed full of photographs and reminiscences spanning 40 years of Mòd coverage from the Isle of Skye based newspaper.
There will also be additional events on showcasing the strong local food & drink offerings during lunchtimes, such as whisky tasting courtesy of Abhainn Dearg Distillery, local chocolate demonstrations & tasting and black pudding tasting – Tuesday 18th & Thursday 20th October.
Cape Breton University Press is making is making its third visit to the Mòd from Nova Scotia, Canada, to appear in the showcase. Cape Breton, which specialises in books on Gaelic culture and history, will be bringing a range of books which have been specially selected for interest to Mòd participants and visitors.
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach said: “We’re very excited about the Mòd showcase this year – there is a fantastic and ever expanding line up and as ever it will provide visitors and competitors alike with a true taste of what’s on offer from the local area.
“The launch of the Mòd Memories book is also very significant as it will bring together thousands of memories and photographs of the event through the years and in the various locations, and will be a delight for those looking for an insight into the history of the Mòd”.
The festival kicks off on Friday 14th October with a grand opening ceremony taking place in the early evening followed by a traditional energetic ceilidh at night to get visitors in the mood for the week long competitive festival. Competitions begin on Monday 17th October, kicking off a week filled with Gaelic music, song, dance, drama, sport and literature. Children’s competitions take place at the start of the week and nearly 1,700 children from across the country taking part. The Traditional and Gold Medal qualifying rounds take place on Wednesday 19 October with the finals on Thursday 20 October.
The 2011 Royal Mòd Gaelic Showcase: The Nicholson Institute Springfield Road, Stornoway, HS1 2PZ (beside the ticket sales desk, just behind Lewis Sports Centre).
For more information please contact Alison Henderson on 07552 167801 or email [email protected]
For further details visit www.acgmòd.org
Published: 03rd Oct 2011
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Running for Mod 2011!
Following on from an event first started at Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2005 a group of runners from Stornoway Athletics and Running Club (SRAC) will participate in a special relay event which will take them from the venue of last year’s Royal National Mod in Caithness to Stornoway, the host town of Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011. The runners will be raising money en route for the charity Enable. On completion of two day’s running the runners will disembark from the Caledonian MacBrayne evening ferry on Friday 14th October 2011. The final leg of the relay from the ferry to An Lanntair Arts Centre will be run by the full contingent of fourteen runners to attend the official opening of the Royal National Mod.
The route will take runners from Wick, travelling through Brora, Helmsdale, Dornoch, Lairg and onto Ullapool covering a total of approximately 150 miles. The intrepid runners will set off from Caithness early on the morning of Thursday (13th) October and will deliver a message of goodwill from the Convenor of the Caithness Mod 2010, Raymond Bremner. Alex Macdonald, Convenor of both the 2011 local organising committee and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, will accept the message of goodwill from the runners on the evening of the 14th.
Taking part in the relay event is Tony Robson, Convenor of Transportation on the local committee and Chairman of SRAC. Tony commented:
“Following the success of the 2005 relay event which took us from Perth to Stornoway, the SRAC were keen to add our support to Mòd nan Eilean Siar in a different way. In 2005 we were joined at different locations by Ruairidh and Calum MacDonald of Runrig, who themselves are keen runners. We also found the time to stop off at Ross County and the Dalwhinnie Distillery. It’s an excellent opportunity to promote the event, raise money for a worthwhile charity and we really enjoy doing it!”
Ross Munro, Lead Coach of SRAC added:
“We have had some considerable interest in this event and we will be joined along the route by different running clubs including Highland Hill Runners, Caithness AAC and East Sutherland RC. SRAC’s Austrian member, Gerald Kalchauer, will also be taking part having decided to stay on following the Loch Ness Marathon. We also have our long time running friend’s the Calbost Harriers who’ve also “roped-in” an Australian running friend to take part in the two day relay! Now all we can hope for is good weather and lots of donations for this worthwhile charity. Whilst raising the profile of Mòd 2011 we will be running for Enable and as there are four distilleries en-route we will run by Old Pultney, Clynelish, Glenmorangie and Balblair distilleries to pick up donations for auction for Enable”.
For more information and photographs from the 2005 relay event please visit the SRAC’s website at http://www.srac.org.uk/2005modrelay1.htm. And for further information on the 2011 event contact Ross Munro: 07810681803 or 01851 822670
Published: 03rd Oct 2011« Back to Mod News List
Barra Mod Success!
The first Provincial Mod since the 1930's took place in Barra at the weekend and what a success it was! Photographed below are some of the prize-winners. Stay tuned for the results. Congratulations to all the winners!
Published: 03rd Oct 2011
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Barra Mod Starts Today!
Published: 30th Sep 2011
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Gold Concert this Saturday!
Òr is Òrain Gold Concert
featuring
Gold Medallists resident in the Western Isles
THIS SATURDAY!
Saturday 1 October
Caberfeidh Hotel
... 7.30pm
John Murdo Morrison – 1965
Iain MacKay – 1972
Murdo John Mackenzie – 1979/89
Cathie Ann Macleod – 1979
John ‘Tonkan’ Macdonald – 1990
Donald A Matheson – 1994
Iain Macaulay – 1998
Jenna Cumming – 2002/03
Norman Smith – 2003
Margaret McLeman – 2010
Music by Graham Maclennan and Andrew Yearley
Fear an Taighe – John A Maciver
Tickets £10
Available from An Comunn Gàidhealach Office
Tel : 01851 703 487
Published: 27th Sep 2011« Back to Mod News List
Buy Mod 2011 Merchandise Now!
Looking for the ideal gift for that someone who has everything? Well the Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011 local committee have just the solution! As part of fundraising efforts a bumper recipe book has been produced which contains over three hundred recipes to tantalise your taste buds! The book will be a welcome addition to any kitchen so why not purchase a few, for the bargain price of £8, for friends, relatives, neighbours or even work colleagues!
A limited edition Mòd nan Eilean Siar apron has also been produced and is also available for the princely sum of £5 or why not purchase the set, cookbook and apron, for just £12! If you are interested, call into An Comunn Gàidhealach in Perceval Square in
Stornoway, or give them a call on 01851 70 3487 to place your order.
The committee are also delighted to announce that our official Mod merchandise has arrived and is now available to purchase. The hoodies and zoodies (hoodies with zips!), which feature a stunning new Mod logo, are available in a range of colours and sizes. They are guaranteed to be a massive hit with young and old alike and members of the public are being encouraged to place their order now to avoid disappointment. Adult hoodies and zoodies are retailing at £20 and the children’s hoodies are £12.
There is also an opportunity to purchase the official 2011 Mod mugs and small and large bags (Baga Beag & Baga Mòr!) which incorporate the Mod logo.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the above items get in touch with the Committee via the Mod nan Eilean Siar Facebook group page, pop into An Comunn Gàidhealach or contact a committee member. The An Comunn Office will be open on both Saturday the 1st and Saturday the 8th of October to allow people to purchase merchandise and tickets for the main competitions.
Noah from Lochs models the green and blue children's hoodies (click to enlarge).
Published: 27th Sep 2011
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Volunteer for Ladies Committee?
The Ladies Sub-committee of the Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011 local organising committee are currently seeking willing volunteers who would be available during Mod week to assist with the preparation and serving of teas, coffees and baking at the various Mod venues. Convenor of the Ladies Sub Committee, Moira MacLean, explained:
“We would be delighted to hear from any willing volunteers. There are many aspects to the running of a smooth and successful Mod and this is a crucial role which adds to what makes Mod’s in the Western Isles so special and hospitable. If you are available for just a few hours, a morning or afternoon or an entire day, your help would be greatly appreciated”.
If you are available to assist please contact Moira MacLean on 07769812361 by email on [email protected]. Alternatively call in to An Comunn Gaidhealach’s office in Perceval Square in Stornoway.
Published: 27th Sep 2011
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Mod 5k Success
MOD 2011 5K EVENT HAILED A SUCCESS!
The 2011 Mòd nan Eilean Siar 5k event has been hailed a tremendous success by organisers Marina MacLeod and Evelyn Coull. Despite the huge downpour that began half an hour before the race started and which continued for the first mile or so of the course over 120 people took part in the race.
The first male home, in an incredible time of 16 minutes and 27 seconds, was Iain MacCorquodale, who hails from North Uist and is a member of the North Uist Amateur Athletics Club. Due to an injury sustained round the course Iain was unable to receive his trophy from Convenor of the local organising committee, Alex MacDonald, as he was at the time being attended to at the Accident & Emergency Department of Ospadal nan Eilean where three stitiches were placed in his knee!
The first female to cross the finish line was a member of a Stornoway Running and Athletics Club, Stornoway girl, Rebecca Munro with a time of 22 minutes and 40 seconds. Rebecca was delighted to receive the splendid trophy, which incorporates the Mod 2011 logo, from Alex MacDonald and commented that ‘it was by far by nicest trophy I have ever won!’
The event was attended by young and old and clearly the damp weather conditions had no impact on the fantastic atmosphere. With less than three weeks until the start of Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011, which runs from the 14th to the 22nd of October 2011, this was an excellent way of promoting the event to a new audience.
Below: First Male crosses the finish line, Iain MacCorquodale of North Uist; First Female, Rebecca Munro receives her trophy from Alex MacDonald, Convenor of the Local Organising Committee
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108th ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD RETURNS TO WESTERN ISLES
Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (The Royal National Mòd), Scotland’s premier festival celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, will this year travel to the Western Isles for the fifth time in its 120 year history, last visiting the Islands in 2005.
The eight day celebration of Gaelic music, dance, drama, arts and literature, running from Friday 14th until Saturday 22th October, is set to attract thousands of participants and embrace the entire community of the Islands including Lewis, Harris, Benbecula, Barra and the Uists.
Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the world’s oldest and most respected Gaelic organisation, The Royal National Mòd is a competition based festival which attracts competitors from Gaelic communities throughout the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Canada and the USA and is considered the biggest event of the Gaelic calendar.
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach said: “We are delighted to be taking The Mòd back to the Western Isles this year; an area which has a strong history of delivering a fantastic event for participants and spectators alike. The local organising committee has worked tirelessly to ensure this year’s event is a great success and has a spectacular array of fringe activities; I’d urge people to some along and see what the Mòd has to offer.
“We have already had a fantastic response from people of all ages signing up to take part in the competitions this year and have had entries from as far a field as Canada, United Arab Emirates, California and Virginia.” The Royal National Mòd offers a huge range of opportunities for people to compete, from fluent Gaelic speakers to those in the fledging stages of learning the language.
The fringe activities offer an annual opportunity for Gaels and non-Gaels to gather and renew old friendships as well as forging new ones. Activity for this year includes ceilidhs, open stage music evenings, road dances each evening, historical exhibitions, ‘come and try’ musical workshops, and the annual Angus Macleod memorial lecture. The festival kicks off on Friday 14th October with a grand opening ceremony taking place in the early evening followed by a traditional energetic ceilidh at night to get visitors in the mood for the week long competitive festival.
Competitions begin on Monday 17th October, kicking off a week filled with Gaelic music, song, dance, drama, sport and literature.
Children’s competitions take place at the start of the week and nearly 1,700 children from across the country taking part. The Traditional and Gold Medal qualifying rounds take place on Wednesday 19 October with the finals on Thursday 20 October.
The coveted Lovatt & Tullibardine and Margrat Duncan titles will be awarded on Friday 21 October before the final concert takes place. The grand finale of the 2011 Royal National Mòd will take place on Saturday 22 October when the Massed Choirs will gather and parade in Ceàrnag Phearsabhail (Perceval Square), led by local Pipebands.
2010 saw the Mòd come to Caithness for the first time; the successful event saw HRH The Duke of Rothesay visit and present the two winners of the Mod Gold Medal competition, Joy Dunlop and Iain MacLean, with their prizes. Over 2,000 competitors took part in the 2010 Royal National Mòd and with thousands of visitors travelling to Caithness during the event.
Alex MacDonald, Convener, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Local Organising Committee Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011, said: “As Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and of the local organising committee of Mod nan Eilean Siar 2011, I am delighted to have the opportunity of welcoming the Mod back to the Western Isles for the 5th time in its history. There is no more appropriate setting for this week-long celebration of Gaelic language and culture than the Gaelic heartland of the Western Isles.
“Gaelic is embedded in the very fabric of these islands, with a population that celebrates the language in all aspects of daily life: in the home, workplace and in the community. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is proud to support the Gaelic language and will do everything in its power to retain and promote its rightful place at the heart of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.”
Phil Preston, Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne, (CalMac) said:”The Royal National Mód is one of the highlights of CalMac’s year, and we are particularly excited to be coming to Stornoway which is such an important part of our network. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet and engage with people from across our area, and look forward to welcoming them to our vintage MacBrayne’s bus, which was such a hit in Thurso last year.”
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Royal National Mod again this year. With its celebration of Gaelic music and culture the Mod appeals to many people across the world, helping to promote Scotland and the country’s unique heritage.”
The Royal National Mòd is supported by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council), Caledonian MacBrayne, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, EventScotland, the national events agency, the Royal Bank of Scotland, SQA, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, BBC ALBA, the Scottish Government and Royal Mail.
Royal National Mod – Schedule of events 2011
|
Date |
Event | Venue* |
| Friday 14 Oct | Opening ceremony | An Lanntair |
| Saturday 15 Oct | Mod Shinty Cup Final | Lionacleit |
| Fiddlers’ Rally | Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais Sports Centre | |
| Sunday 16 Oct | Mod Church Service | Talla Bhaile Steòrnabhaigh Stornoway Town Hall |
| Celtic Praise |
Martin's Memorial Church
|
|
| Monday 17 Oct | Children Prizewinners’ Concert | Ionad Spòrs LeòdhaisSports Centre |
| Tuesday 18 Oct | Children Prizewinners’ Concert | Ionad Spòrs LeòdhaisSports Centre |
| Wednesday 19 Oct | Literature Awards | Seòmar na ComhairleCouncil Chamber |
| Gold medal Qualifying A220 / A221 | Assembly Hall, Nicolson Institute | |
| Gold medal Qualifying A222 / A223 | Eaglais Naomh Chaluim ChilleSt Columbus Church | |
| Silver Pendant Final | Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais | |
| Drama Finals | An Lanntair | |
| Traditional Qualifying | Talla Sgoil MhicNeacailAssemble Hall | |
| Thursday 20 Oct | Highland Dancing | Bàgh a’ ChaisteilCastleby (Barra) |
| Gold Medal Finals | Ionad Spòrs LeòdhaisSports Centre | |
| Traditional Final | Ionad Spòrs LeòdhaisSports Centre | |
| Convener’s Traditional Ceilidh | An Lanntair | |
| Friday 21 Oct | Lovat & Tullibardine | Ionad Spòrs LeòdhaisSports Centre |
| Margrat Duncan | Talla Bhaile SteòrnabhaighStornoway Town Hall | |
| Final concert | Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais | |
| Saturday 22 Oct | Mass choir/pipe band parade | Ceàrnag PhearsabhailPerceval Square |
Published: 15th Sep 2011
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Uist Ceilidh Dance
MÒD 2011 CEILIDH DANCE
FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER
CARINISH HALL
8pm
Iain MacAulay
Mischa MacPherson
Neillie Ferguson
Seumas Campbell
Peigi Campbell
Patrick Hughes
Padraig Morrison
Mairi MacInnes
Colaiste Bheinn a' Bhaoghla students
Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band
Uist Pipe Band
Dance with the
Iain Angus Macleod Band
Licensed Bar
Raffle
Entry £7 / £5
Published: 15th Sep 2011
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Changes to Prescribed Pieces
C22A - Far-ainmean
Please be aware of the following changes in verse 4:
Mac na h-èiginn, ceann an ànraidh,
Mac an Uilc is leisgean mòr,
Slaodair’, ‘s bathais chrost gun nàire
Dìgear, luidsear, is ceann clò!
C72
Buain na rainnich’ – The chorus should be sung after each verse, not only at the start and finish of the song.
Comp A305
Soraidh leis an àit’Page 6, bar 63-For Soprano 2 and Alto, the words should read, ‘Choltaich mi ri Gàidhlig’.
L408 & L409 Please note that the following competitions for Choral Arrangements are now Own Choice:
L408 - Choral arrangement - for adult male, female or mixed voices – own choice of a song from the Gaelic Tradition
L409 - Choral arrangement - for junior choir (either U13 or U18 but please specify) –own choice of a song from the Gaelic Tradition
A308-Fhir a dh’ ith am bonnach mòr
Bar 12, Page 3- 'DC Sèist' is to be omitted.
A300
Eilean Scalpaigh na Hearadh Bar 48, Tenor line:The first note in bar 48 for the Tenors should beme instead of soh.
A301-Mi lem uilinn
In bar 23/24 the first altos should be ray ray me instead of me me me. The seconds should be doh doh doh instead of ray ray nothing. Also in bar 28 the second alto last note should be ray instead of me.
A304-An gille dubh ciar-dubh
In bar 27 for Sops 1, the G sharp ought to be a G natural and in bar 50, for Sops 2, the F sharp ought to be an F natural.
C156-Clachan mo ghaoil In the last line of verse 3, please note that the word ‘clachan’ is missing an ‘h’ and should be ‘chlachan’. The whole line should read, “O soraidh dhaibh uile ‘s do chlachan mo ghaoil”.
C27-Tha bò dhubh agam
In verse 4, the first 3 lines should read, “Tha luch dhonn agam, tha luch dhonn bhuam”.C115 – A mhaighdeannan a’ choire dhuibh Please note that the chorus should be sung twice and the verse should then be sung twice.
Published: 06th Sep 2011
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1925 Gold Medal for Sale
An opportunity has arisen to purchase a prestigious Mod Gold Medal that was won by Donalda Robertson at the Greenock Mod in 1925.
The medal is offered for sale--- it's a 9ct gold medal weighing approximately 30gm.
The money raised will be used towards the expenses of a junior choir going to the MOD 2011.
Please refer offers to Una MacLeod:
Published: 02nd Sep 2011
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Mod 2011 5k Run / Walk!
With the start of Mòd nan Eilean Siar just under six weeks away the local organising committee are encouraging the public to get fit, perhaps even reduce a kilt size, in the run up to the 14th of October! In September 2010 a successful 5k event was hosted by the committee and Saturday the 24th of September 2011 has been chosen as the date of this years event.
The 5k, which will take place in Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway, is the ideal fitness solution in the weeks running up to the Mod and even if you are a total novice you have just under eight weeks to get those trainers on and pound those pavements. An easy to follow training programme is available at www.jogscotland.org.uk. However, there is absolutely no pressure to run the 5k and participants can walk, at their own pace, round the 3.2 mile course.
A fee of £10 will be charged for taking part in the event although those under the age of 16 can participate for free.
Committee members Evelyn Coull and Marina MacLeod, who are organising the Mod 5k commented:"The 2010 5k was excellent and we hope to have even more participants at this year’s event, particularly since the Mod will only be a mere three weeks away from then! Getting fit and setting a personal challenge can be great fun, especially if you team up with a friend for training. It would also be great to see the island choirs well represented and to see their competitive spirit emerge round the five kilometre course! The fantastic thing about an event like this is that people can take it at their own pace and last year it was particularly encouraging to see so many people, both young and old, take part. This is also an excellent way to showcase the premier festival of Gaelic language and culture to an entirely different audience".
Following the 5k on the evening of the Saturday the 24th of September, popular local rockers Blitzer will be performing at the Sea Angling Club and again all money raised on the evening will go towards Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011. This gives those who have donned their trainers in the morning the chance to get their glad rags on and enjoy a well deserved night out after all their training endeavours!
For more information or to register your interest contact Evelyn Coull on [email protected] or Marina MacLeod on [email protected], telephone 01851 703 487. Alternatively forms can be picked up from the An Comunn office in Perceval Square of from Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais.
Published: 15th Aug 2011
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Senior Piping Competitions
With preparations for the Western Isles Mod 2011 well underway, An Comunn Gàidhealach would like to remind any potential senior piping competitors that the entry deadline for Mod 2011 senior piping competitions is 26th August 2011. Any late or incomplete entries submitted after this date will not be accepted.
This year’s junior and senior piping will take place at Sgoil Lionacleit in Benbecula on Saturday 15th October 2011. Uist has a proud piping history so it is fitting that the Mod 2011 senior piping competitions return there. Competitions and events will be held throughout the islands at this year’s Mod with the Highland Dancing competitions taking place in Castlebay Community School, Barra.
Respected Uist piping teacher Dòmhnall Bàn MacDonald stated, “We very much look forward to hosting the Mod piping competitions at this year’s Mod. There is a wealth of talented young pipers throughout the islands and it will be great for them to hear some of the top senior players competing at the Mod, we look forward to welcoming them.”
As well as the usual trophies and prize money that will be up for grabs, this year’s overall winner of the senior Mod piping competitions will be awarded automatic entry to the invitational Glasgow Uist & Barra competition which takes place on Saturday 10th March 2012.
This is the fifth time that the Mod will have been held in the Western Isles, previously taking place in 1979, 1989, 2001 and 2005. It’s clear that the island community are looking forward to hosting it again. Convener of the Local Organising Committee, Alex MacDonald said, “We wish that the 2011 Mod will be every bit as successful as previous Mods held in the Western Isles. We are hopeful that it will be a fantastic Mod in 2011 and that visitors will enjoy their trip to the Western Isles. Indeed, there will be a warm highland welcome waiting for all visitors and competitiors.”
The Royal National Mod takes place in the Western Isles between 14th and 22nd October 2011.
For any further information or details of how to enter, please contact Jim MacLean on 01505 612 134/07833 742 024 or by e-mail: [email protected]. An entry form can also be downloaded and submitted from www.acgmod.org
For any further information regarding Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail or Mòd nan Eilean Siar, please visit www.acgmod.org or www.modnaneileansiar.com
Published: 10th Aug 2011
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Mòd 2011 (400 Club)
!Congratulations to Aileen Macdonald, of Steinish (#3) on winning the £250 prize in the July draw. The second prize of £100 was won by EJ & CW Gordon of Broughty Ferry (#172) and the third prize of £50 was won by Kristeen Maclean, of Shawbost (#108).
Published: 06th Aug 2011« Back to Mod News List
Ceilidh in Stornoway
Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011
Ceilidh Dance
Saturday 23rd July
Caladh Inn, Stornoway
7.30pm
Catriona Watt
Kenneth Nicolson
Murdo Dan & Friends
Donald A Matheson
Ceitlin Russel Smith
Neillie Ferguson
Dance with Shocky & Willie
Bar
Raffle
£7 / £5 Entry at door
Published: 20th Jul 2011
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Highland Dancing Competitions
The deadline for entry to this year’s Royal National Mod Highland Dancing competitions is Saturday 15th of October 2011.
The Highland Dancing competitions will take place on Thursday 20th October in Castlebay School.
Should you require any further information please click on the link below:
Entry forms are available here:
http://www.toeandheel.com/enter_online/2011_MOD.php
Published: 20th Jul 2011
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Future Mod Dates
Below are the confirmed dates for the following Royal National Mods:
2011 Western Isles 14 – 22 October
2012 Dunoon 12 – 20 October
2013 Paisley 11 – 19 October
2014 Inverness 10 – 18 October
Should you require any further information please contact 01463 231 226
Published: 13th Jul 2011
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Own Choice Deadline
Remember all own choice pieces must be submitted by 30th June (this Thursday!)
Receipt of Own Choice music will be acknowledged by e-mail or post; you should contact the Inverness Office if you do not receive an acknowledgement.
Please note it may take some time to issue all receipts due to the volume of pieces submitted at the one time.
Should you have any queries about your own choice submissions please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Published: 28th Jun 2011
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Gaelic Assessment
Any competitors wishing to have a Gaelic Assessment before the Mod should contact us on 01463 709 705. If there is sufficient demand we will arrange a suitable date / location for assessments to be held.
Published: 15th Jun 2011
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Piping Compeitions
Mòd nan Eilean Siar 14th–22nd October 2011
The piping competitions will take place in Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula on Saturday 15th October 2011.
The entry deadline for Mod 2011 Senior piping competitions is 26th August. Entry to all other competitions is now closed.
You can download an entry form below, alternatively you can contact the Mod office.
Senior Piping Entry Form 2011.doc
For further information please contact Rena Macaskill, Mod Administrator, An Comunn Gàidhealach, 109 Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1EY or call 01463 231 226. [email protected]
Published: 15th Jun 2011
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Inverness Ceilidh Dance!
An Comunn Gàidhealach
Meur Inbhir Nis
MOD Ceilidh/Dance
With The Monach Isle Dance Band
and Inverness Provincial 2011 MOD Winners
In the Waterside Hotel
Inverness
Saturday 18th June 2011
7.30pm – 12pm
Admission: £8
All proceeds go towards the running of the Inverness Local Mod in June 2011
Published: 14th Jun 2011« Back to Mod News List
Aberfeldy Mod Results / Photos
The Aberfeldy Provincial Mod took place on the 10th and 11th June and was a great success. Entry numbers were impressive and the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Results and photos can be viewed on the Aberfeldy Mod section of this website by clicking here.
Published: 13th Jun 2011
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Mod Entries Closed
Please note that entry to this year’s Royal National Mod is now closed. Should you have any queries regarding the entry deadline please contact us on 01463 709 705.
Mòran taing
Published: 10th Jun 2011
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Closing Date for Entries
With entries for Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2011 coming in thick and fast, Mod organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach are busy preparing for this year’s event, to be held in the Western Isles.
Although many entries have already been received and processed, An Comunn Gàidhealach expect a considerable influx of entries before the closing date of 31st May and are again stressing the importance of complete entries being received on time.
Janet MacDonald, Royal National Mod Director reiterated this view saying, “I must remind potential competitors that any late or incomplete entries received after that date will not be accepted. I would also like to remind competitors that all own choice music pieces have to be submitted by 30th June.”
This is the fifth time that the Mod will have been held in the Western Isles, previously taking place in 1979, 1989, 2001 and 2005. It’s clear that the island community are looking forward to hosting it again. Convener of the Local Organising Committee, Alex MacDonald said, “We wish that the 2011 Mod will be every bit as successful as previous Mods held in the Western Isles. We are hopeful that it will be a fantastic Mod in 2011 and that visitors will enjoy their trip to theWestern Isles. Indeed, there will be a warm highland welcome waiting for all visitors and competitiors.”
Competitions and events will be held throughout the islands at this year’s Mod with the junior and senior piping competitions taking place in Benbecula and the Highland Dancing competitions taking place in Barra.
An Comunn Gàidhealach’s President, John MacLeod stated, “It’s extremely appropriate that the Mod returns to the Western Isles as they are at the very heart of our language and culture. The Gaelic language is still the language of the community in the Islands and there isn’t a better place to showcase Scotland’s main Gaelic festival.”
The Royal National Mod takes place in the Western Isles between 14th and 22nd October 2011.
For any further information regarding Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail or Mòd nan Eilean Siar, please visit www.acgmod.org or www.modnaneileansiar.com
Published: 25th May 2011
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A305 Change
Please note the amendment below. If you have missed any of the other amendments which have been made to Mod 2011 pieces then you can view them here.
Comp A305
Soraidh leis an àit’
Page 6, bar 63-For Soprano 2 and Alto, the words should read, ‘Choltaich mi ri Gàidhlig’.
Published: 19th May 2011
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Fèis nan Còisir Event
A ceilidh and dance to raise funds for the upcoming Royal National Mod will be held on Saturday the 21st of May 2011 at An Caladh Inn in Stornoway. The evening, which is being organised by the Fèis nan Còisir committee, will begin at 7pm and will replace the annual Fèis nan Còisir event which is historically held around this time of year.
Entertainment will be provided by the winners of the Traditional Gold Medal at the 2010 Caithness Mod, Eoghàinn MacLeod and Margaret McLeman, who are also both members of Còisir Sgìr’ a’ Bhac. There will also be the opportunity to hear the four adult choirs who are based in Lewis as they begin in earnest to make preparations for the upcoming Mod. To get your toes a tapping on the evening music will be provided courtesy of the folk group winners from Mòd Ionadail Leòdhais 2011 which took place in March 2011. The talented folk groups who will be performing are Stornoway Primary, Lionel School and the Nicolson Institute. And if that wasn’t enough entertainment for one evening, the ever popular Iain Angus MacLeod and his band will be providing the dance music! Compering the evening will be Donald Martin.
If you are based in Stornoway, tickets for the ceilidh dance are available from Events and they cost £5 or alternatively payment can be made at the door on the evening. For more information contact Amy MacAulay, from the Fèis nan Còisir committee, on [email protected].
Published: 11th May 2011
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Ciorstaidh Scoops Top Pan Celtic Prize
Ciorstaidh Peutan from Kilmuir, Skye won the Open Clarsach competition at the International Pan Celtic Festival in Dingle.
Ciorstaidh who currently studies at the City of Edinburgh Music School, will be going to the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in September.
The festival, now in its 40th year has seen competitors and visitors from around the world gather in Dingle and Ciorstaidh came out on top against two local competitors. Ciorstaidh has been attending the festival as a representative of the Clarsach Society and has been attending the Pan Celtic for the first time. Ciorstaidh has previously been a winner at the Royal National Mod.
Speaking after winning the competition Coirstaidh (18) said “ I am really happy to have won the competition. It was a tough competition but I am delighted. It’s been a great festival and it’s nice for Scotland to have had success".
Published: 10th May 2011« Back to Mod News List
Uist Night in Inverness!
An Comunn Gàidhealach - meur Inbhirnis
Uist Accordion & Fiddle Club
Uist Dancing Club
Uist Singers and pipers
With Fear an Tighe ……. Ruaridh Nicolson
Saturday 4th June 2011
7.30pm Green Drive Hall, Inverness
Finger Buffet … Tea/Coffee/…..Raffle Prizes
Admission: £8 ………. Bring Your own Bottle
Ticket bookings available from: Mobile Nos. 07869368205 / 07891814925 / 07777632585
“All proceeds go towards the running of the Inverness Local Mod in June 2011”
Published: 06th May 2011
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Barn Dance in Inverness!
An Comunn Gàidhealach
Meur Inbhir Nis
Barn Dance!
Music by
The Fiona Dalgetty Band
Saturday 14th May 2011
7.30pm
Bogbain Farm, Inverness
Licensed Bar ……………Raffle Prizes
Barbeque facilities are available
Admission: £8 ……………. Tickets at the door
Contact details: Mobile Nos. 07891814925
07777632585
“All proceeds go towards the running of the Inverness Local Mod in June 2011”
Published: 06th May 2011
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Calling All Cooks!
As a fundraiser for Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011, the Ladies Committee are planning on
putting together a Mòd Cookbook. As a result, we'd appreciate any recipes that
are favourites - home baking perhaps being a Mòd speciality?!
All recipes gratefully received; starters, mains, puddings as well as baking.
Recipes can be e-mailed to Moira Maclean or Christine Morrison at the following e-mail addresses:
Moira - [email protected]
Christine - [email protected]
Published: 03rd May 2011
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New Kennedy Competition
Prestigious Mòd competition to commemorate Kennedy Gold Medallists
An Comunn Gàidhealach are pleased to announce the addition of a prestigious new competition at this year’s Royal National Mòd in the Western Isles. The competition is confined to both male and female former winners of An Comunn Gàidhealach’s Gold Medal. Entrants will be expected to perform one song of their own choice.
The competition winner will be awarded a new trophy being presented in memory of the late Calum Kennedy and his wife Anne Gillies, both of whom won the prestigious An Comunn Gold Medal in 1955 and 1952, respectively. The new trophy is being donated by the Kennedy family who will be represented at the Mòd to make the presentation.
A similar competition had existed for past winners of the Gold Medal and other solo competitions, but it was discontinued after the 1953 National Mòd in Oban. Interestingly, Calum was one of the competitors in that event, and went on to win the An Comunn Gold two years later in Aberdeen, which proved to be a springboard for him to world-wide success on the stage.
President of An Comunn Gàidhealach, John MacLeod today said, “An Comunn Gàidhealach are really delighted to present such a prestigious competition at this year’s Mod in the Western Isles which we hope will attract many of the great former Gold Medalists from different generations. It is also very fitting that the competition will be held at Mòd nan Eilean Siar in memory of the highly-respected Calum Kennedy and his wife Anne Gillies, who with their family were household names in Gaelic singing and musical entertainment. They were wonderful ambassadors for Gaelic, bringing our language and culture to a world-wide audience, and this will be a great opportunity to honour their memory ”
Fiona Kennedy, Calum & Anne’s eldest daughter today said: “My sisters, Kirsteen, Morag, Morven, Deirdre and myself are very proud to give an award in our parents’ memory. In many ways they were a golden couple, blessed with hauntingly beautiful voices which delighted and moved audiences at home and abroad. Winning the Gold Medal at The Mod was where it all started for them and was definitely the catalyst for their careers and they never forgot that. They loved taking part, the preparation and build up every year, the friendships, the fun, the laughter and the ceilidhs! We know they would be thrilled to have this new competition in their honour.”
Entries must be submitted by 31st May 2011 and can be submitted online at www.acg.org, or by post to: An Comunn Gàidhealach, 109 Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1EY. As with other Mod competitions, competitors must submit the words of their chosen song to An Comunn Gàidhealach by 30th June.
For any further information on rules etc, please visit www.acgmod.org and www.modnaneileansiar.com
Published: 02nd May 2011« Back to Mod News List
Entry Forms Now Available
Entry forms for this year’s Mod are now available for submission online here.
Alternatively you can download the forms below and post them to us:
Senior Piping Entry Form 2011.doc
For further information contact Rena Macaskill on 01463 231 226 or [email protected].
Published: 21st Apr 2011
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Mod 2010 DVDs on Offer!
An Comunn Gàidhealach are offering a number of DVD’s from the Royal National Mòd 2010 for sale.
Note: The sale is dependant upon sufficient interest and orders being received. Should the initiative not proceed we will let you know.
Please click on the order form below to view the DVDs on offer:
DVD Order Form Mod 2010 (2).doc
.
Published: 21st Apr 2011
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Win a Holiday!
Fancy the Chance of Winning a Holiday Courtesy of Mod nan Eilean Siar 2011?
The Mod nan Eilean Siar local committee are about to embark on their latest fundraising drive. The committee are offering the opportunity to win a £1500 voucher for a holiday, through the Co-operative Travel. Along with this fantastic prize will be £500 of spending money and Loganair have generously agreed to pay for the return flights from Stornoway to wherever the foreign holiday departs for.
Tickets will shortly go on sale and will be available via the Mod 2011 Local Committee's website (www.modnaneileansiar.com), various retail outlets and from committee members. Tickets will also be on sale at various events across the Western Isles over the coming months and of course throughout Mod week itself.
The draw will take place during Mod week (14th to 22nd October 2011), giving people ample opportunity to purchase tickets! The voucher will allow the lucky winner to choose where they want to go, how many people they want to take and when they want to go.
Published: 29th Mar 2011
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News - L408 & L409
Please note that the following competitions for Choral Arrangements are now Own Choice:
L408 - Choral arrangement - for adult male, female or mixed voices – own choice of a song from the Gaelic Tradition
L409 - Choral arrangement - for junior choir (either U13 or U18 but please specify) –own choice of a song from the Gaelic Tradition
Published: 29th Mar 2011
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A304-An gille dubh ciar-dubh
A304-An gille dubh ciar-dubh In bar 27 for Sops 1, the G sharp ought to be a G natural and in bar 50, for Sops 2, the F sharp ought to be an F natural. Published: 22nd Mar 2011
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C156 Clachan Mo Ghaoil
Òrain na Cloinne, Comp C156, Page 18, Clachan mo ghaoil
In the last line of verse 3, please note that the word ‘clachan’ is missing an ‘h’ and should be ‘chlachan’. The whole line should read, “O soraidh dhaibh uile ‘s do chlachan mo ghaoil”
Published: 22nd Mar 2011
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Changes to Lovat
|
A301 (L & T) Mi lem uilinn |
Also in bar 28 the second alto last note should be ray instead of me.
Published: 18th Mar 2011
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C23 & C23A - Important!
Please note the following amendment to the list of Prescribed Pieces for 2011 as per news update November 2010:
http://www.acgmod.org/nationalmod/moddetail/changes-to-2011-prescribed-pieces
C23 age 5-6 Ial, ial, ial, ial
C23A age 7-8 Dh’fhalbh a’ radan binneach
Please note that what is in the Òrain na Cloinne (Pink) book is correct – the error was only on some of the Prescribed Lists which were printed in October, which had been amended since then.
For any other queries please feel free to call us.
Published: 09th Mar 2011
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A308 Correction
Bar 12, Page 3-‘DC Sèist’ to be omitted.
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Information for Choirs
Please note that the category of junior choral competitions C173, C174 and C175 has been changed from Learners to Open.
For further information please contact the Mod Administrator on 01463 231 226.
Published: 03rd Feb 2011
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Caithness Mòd photos now in Galleries
For a taste of the Caithness Mòd 2010 please go to the Gallery section of the Royal National Mòd web page. Alternatively you can click on the link below.
A selection of photos are arranged by day and if you would like a print, please contact Graham Hood Photography direct. Many thanks to Graham for the use on our website of these excellent photographs.
http://www.acgmod.org/nationalmod/gallery
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News from Mod 2011 Committee
Well who would believe it but 2011 has arrived! And it certainly is going to be some year with the Western Isles Royal National Mod 2011 only tenth months away! The local organising committee had a very busy month in December 2010, but we are happy to announce that it was a fantastic month of fundraising!
A ceilidh took place in An Caladh Inn in Stornoway on Hogmanay and the night was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended. Over £800 was raised and everyone had a fantastic evening taking in the New Year amongst friends and family. Thanks to everyone who attended the ceilidh and special thanks to those who helped on the evening.
Wednesday the 22nd of December was a particularly successful day of fundraising. Over £1600 was raised at the Stornoway branch of Tesco’s and not only were customers being offered a hand with their bag packing but there was a musical treat in store for them as they marched the shopping aisles. Members of the Lewis and Harris Accordion and Fiddle Club generously gave their time to play some tunes at the door of Tesco. Thanks to everyone who gave so generously and special thanks to our talented musicians and able bag packers!
The Ladies Committee had a particularly busy month and over £1300 was raised by the selling of tickets for the Christmas hamper. But this was no ordinary hamper – it was a luxury hamper filled with lots of lovely delights! The lucky recipient was Mary Faller who works at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
There will be plenty of fundraising events taking place through 2011 across the islands and we will keep you informed as the year progresses. The Committee are also in the stages of purchasing a car which will be raffled at the end of Mod week in October. For those of you who are keen runners, the second Mod nan Eilean Siar 2011 5k event will take place in the Castle Grounds in the early autumn – so no excuses as you have plenty of time to start training!
If you have any fundraising ideas or would like to become involved in the Mod during Mod week or in the run up to the event, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the local committee secretary, Dolina MacLeod on [email protected]. Or if you are in Stornoway town centre why not pop in to An Comunn Gàidhealach in Perceveal Square. With your help and support we can ensure that Mod 2011 is a truly magnificent event! www.modnaneileansiar.com
Published: 12th Jan 2011
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Changes to 2011 Prescribed Pieces
Please note the following amendments to the 2011 Prescribed Pieces:
Òrain na Cloinne:
Page 2 C23A Dh’ fhalbh a’ radan binneach
To be changed in List of prescribed songs: C23A is ‘Dh’ fhalbh a’ radan binneach’, C23 is ‘Ial Ial Ial Ial Ial Ial ars’ a’ chailleach’
Page 9 C27 Tha bò dhubh agam
4th verse should read;
‘Tha luch dhonn agam, tha luch dhonn bhuam
Tha luch dhonn agam, tha luch dhonn bhuam
Tha luch dhonn agam, tha luch dhonn bhuam
Tha dà luch dhonn ruith san t-sabhal gu luath.’
Còisirean Òigridh:
Page 13 C113 Togail curs air Leòdhas
Verse 4, line 4 should read: ‘S nì sinn tàmhachd san tìr sin gus an sìnear sinn ann’
Page 15 C114 Mo nìonag
Bar 11 (Soprano & Alto): ‘sin’ should be ‘sinn’
Page 10 C73 Hai-o na h-eireagan
Verse 1 The word ‘uigh-ean’ in bar 5 should show a dotted quaver and semi quaver and the words ‘bheir iad’ in bar 7 should show a semi quaver and dotted quaver (as opposed to the other way around)
Published: 22nd Nov 2010
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Mod Nominated for Event of the Year
An Comunn Gàidhealach is delighted that the Royal National Mod (2010) has been nominated in the Event of the Year category at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2010.
The aim of these Awards is to highlight Scotland's wonderful traditional music in all its forms and to create a high profile opportunity which will bring the music and music industry into the spotlight of media & public attention.
The voting process began on Monday 1st November and finishes on Friday 19th November so we encourage to vote.
People can vote by visiting: http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/voting2010.html Voting Forms can also be downloaded from the site.
Published: 03rd Nov 2010
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Mòd Ghallaibh 2010 Results now online.
The Mòd Ghallaibh 2010 results are now online as they happen.
Click on Results button in the Royal National Mod section of this website or just
click on the link below.
http://www.acgmod.org/nationalmod/results-2010/
Published: 09th Oct 2010« Back to Mod News List
Photographs from Mòd Ghallaibh 2010 now available.
Graham Hood, the official photographer for Mòd 2010, has a collection of Mòd photographs available for viewing on his website:
Note:
Click on the Text below the Mod 2010 photo on the menu page to see the photographs by day.
http://grahamhoodphotography.com/?load=flash
Published: 09th Oct 2010« Back to Mod News List
Contacting Mod Office
The Inverness and Stornoway offices are now closed as we have relocated to Caithness for Mod 2010.
To contact us during mod week please email [email protected].
From MONDAY ONWARDS you can call the Mod office on 01847 893 822.
(PLEASE NOTE THIS NUMBER WILL NOT BE OPERATIONAL BEFORE MONDAY)
Published: 08th Oct 2010
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Change of Venues
Tuesday Morning
Competitions C44A (Girls 9-10) and C70B (Boys under 13 Traditional) will now take place in Pennyland Primary School and NOT in St Peter’s & St Andrew’s Church as advertised.
Precenting Competitions
Please note - precenting Competitions in the Church may have a delayed start.
Published: 08th Oct 2010
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Gaelic @ Caithness Horizons
Gaelic at Caithness Horizons.doc
Published: 08th Oct 2010
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New Start Time for Concert
Please note that the Rural Choirs Concert will now start at 7.30pm in the Thurso High School Games Hall, instead of 8pm as previously advertised.
For any queries please contact the Mod Information Desk in Thurso High School during Mod week.
Published: 06th Oct 2010« Back to Mod News List
Northern Constabulary
NORTHERN CONSTABULARY SUPPORTING THE MÒD
Northern Constabulary are looking forward to a successful Mòd and to assist those visiting the area they have two fluent Gaelic speaking officers who will be on hand full time to provide advice and assistance.
Acting Inspector George Murray who is based in Wick and Constable Torquil Macleod who has been drafted across from Orkney are looking forward to the event and putting their native Gaelic language to good use.
Chief Inspector, Matthew Reiss said "The Northern Constabulary are delighted to be assisting with the first ever Mòd to be held in the unique county of Caithness. We look forward to an enjoyable week for everyone - both for the local population and all the visitors to the county.
“The emphasis will be on community policing given more than a Gaelic flavour by two fluent Gaelic speaking officers who have been assigned full time to the Mòd, namely Acting Inspector George Murray, based at Wick and Constable Torquil Macleod, based on Orkney.
“Officers will be particularly visible on the streets of Wick and Thurso and able to help with any queries, directions or unforeseen difficulties".
Raymond Bremner, Convenor of the local organising committee added “Northern Constabulary have been very supportive from the word go in helping to get the arrangements in place to ensure that the Mòd is not only successful but safe for locals and visitors alike. I’d like to personally thank Chief Inspector Matthew Reiss for his invaluable input and to the two Gaelic speaking officers who will obviously be very busy for the coming week.”
Northern Constabulary are providing support and assistance to the Local Organising Committee at the various public events including the massed pipe bands march at 6.30pm from the Market Square in Wick to the Assembly Rooms on Friday 8th October for the Opening Ceremony and the march of the Massed Choirs at 10.30am from Thurso High School to the Old Town Hall on Saturday 16th October.
Published: 06th Oct 2010
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Music Memory Store
Janette Mackay was born and brought up in Strathy, Sutherland. Her parents belonged to Strathy and were fluent Gaelic speakers who were forced to speak English when they went to school. Janette spent her teaching career in North Sutherland (1966 – 2005) and was very much involved with Gaelic music and the Mod.
The picture shows Janette’s Junior choir and it’s worth noting that 25 % of the members of the choir have gone on to have a career that involves Gaelic.
My choice of Music Memory is “A’Mhàiri Bhòidheach” My father often recalled being belted in school for speaking Gaelic. Little wonder they did not encourage their family to speak this language which they were told would “hold us back”. Gaelic was spoken and sung and bagpipes played in our home throughout my childhood and I attribute my interest to my upbringing.
During my teaching career I had a small Gaelic choir which competed very successfully on many occasions at both local and National Mods. My most successful choir – The Farr Junior Gaelic Choir - had only eight members but they returned with the Trophy (sometimes two trophies) from National Mods in Stirling, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oban and Stornoway. This was during the 1980’s and what fun and enjoyment was had by both children and parents who supported and accompanied them.
I believed it was very important to make sure that the children learned our traditional local songs, like The Waters of Kylesku, Naver Bay and our best loved Gaelic song Gleann Gollaidh.
When I meet former pupils at a function or ceilidh they are happily singing these songs – even the boys or perhaps I should say especially the boys!
With the help of Feis Air An Oir , the Tongue Gaelic School and the Gaelic pupils from Farr High School, there is a noticeable uptake in the learning of Gaelic in our area and whereas it used to be spoken mainly by the older generation, very soon it will be spoken mainly or solely by our young folk. That is a very encouraging prospect and so I forsee a much more positive future for the Gaelic language and music in North Sutherland.
Is e an t-òran “A Mhàiri Bhòidheach” a thagh mi. Bhiodh m’ athair gu tric a’ cuimhneachadh air slaiseadh fhaighinn san sgoil airson a bhith bruidhinn na Gàidhlig. Is beag an t-iongnadh, ma ta, nach do bhrosnaich iad an cuid chloinne gu Gàidhlig a chleachdadh oir is ann “a chumadh an cànan air ais iad”. Bhiodh Gàidhlig ga bruidhinn is ga cleachdadh san dachaigh againn nuair a bha sinn ag èirigh suas. Is e sin as coireach gu bheil ùidh agam dhan chànan.
Fhad ’s a bha mi a’ teagasg bha còisir bheag Ghàidhlig agam a bhiodh a’ gabhail pàirt ‘s na Mòdan Ionadail is Nàiseanta. Cha robh ach ochdnar sa chòisir shoirbheachail seo – Còisir Òg Sgoil Fàr. Is iomadh duais a choisinn iad aig na Mòdan Nàiseanta - Sruighlea, Dùn Èideann, Glaschu, An t-Òban agus Steòrnabhagh. Bha seo sna 80an agus is mòr an toileachas a thug e don chloinn is dham pàrantan a bhiodh tric a’ tighinn nan cois.
Bha mi a’ creidsinn gun robh e cudromach gun ionnsaicheadh a’ chlann òrain thraidiseanta na sgìre mar: The Waters of Kylesku, Naver Bay agus an t-òran as caomh leinn uile, Gleanna Gollaidh.
Nuair a thachras mi ri seann sgoilearan aig tachartas no cèilidh bidh iad fhathast a’ seinn nan dearbh òran sin, eadhoin na gillean air neo na gillean a-mhain. Tha Gàidhlig air a brosnachadh san sgìre tro fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ann am bun-sgoil Thunga agus a-rithist tha Gàidhlig mar chuspair an Àrd Sgoil Fàr. Tha Fèis air an Oir cuideachd air cùl Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh. Aig aon uair bhiodh Gàidhlig ga cleachdadh le seann daoine ach is ann aig an òigridh a tha a Ghàidhlig an-diugh. Tha seo gu math taitneach do cheann-a-tuath Chataibh gu bheil an cànan is an ceòl beò da-riribh.
This song was sung by our very own Philip Todd in his first year as a Gaelic singer and he won the Mairi Mhor section of the Royal National Mod at Fort William in 2007.
A’Mhàiri Bhòidheach was recorded by Dochas on An Dàrna Umhail Released by Macmeanmna records in 2005 Catalogue SKYECD34
Copies of the CD are available to borrow, at no cost, from the collection of CD’s selected as Music Memory Store choices from the Wick and Thurso Libraries, as a partnership between the Mòd Ghallaibh Fringe and the Highland Libraries. It can be heard on Caithness FM as a part of the Hughie Manson Show on Monday evenings and on Radio nan Gàidheal.
Copies of this CD are available to borrow, at no cost, from the collection of CD’s selected as MusicMemory Store, from Wick and Thurso Libraries. It can be heard on Mondays 7-8pm on Caithness FM as a part of the Scottish Show with Hughie Manson and on Radio nan Gàidheal.
MusicMemory Store is a partnership between the Mòd Ghallaibh Fringe and the Highland Libraries – Caithness branches, Wick & Thurso.Contact The Mòd Ghallaibh Fringe: [email protected]
Published: 06th Oct 2010
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Lighting Up The Sky
The Northern Night sky is beautiful and can be seen so plainly in Caithness on a clear night. If you have never experienced the clear dark blue skies sparkling with stars, comets and the Aurora Borealis then you now have an ideal chance to see this spectacular array of lights.
Genuine Images of the spacey lights will be projected against the white walls of T3/UK at Janetstown and will be accompanied by a text written by local astronomer, Jim Johnston and with a poetic response to the images by Catriona Lexy Campbell.
The projections will take place on Saturday 9th October and Wednesday 13th October starting at 10.30pm and is expected to last about an hour.
Warm clothes are recommended and those attending are encouraged to bring a torch. Parking is available on site, however numbers are limited and transport will be provided from provided departing from St Peters Church and St Andrews Church at 1030pm and returning after the event.
Published: 06th Oct 2010
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Gaelic Showcase
Comhairle nan Leabhraichean http://www.gaelicbooks.org/
Creations http://www.tartanbodices.co.uk
Mackay Country Community Trust Ltd http://www.mackaycountry.com/
Mey Selections http://www.mey-selections.com/
Sabhal Mor Ostaig http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk
Scottish National Heritage http://www.snh.gov.uk/
Shelagh Swanson, Artist http://shelaghswanson.co.uk
Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig http://www.storlann.co.uk/
Swelkie Felt http://www.craftscotland.org/makers_search_results_by_ID.html?MakerID=689
Comunn na Gàidhlig http://www.cnag.org.uk/
Tobar an Dualchais http://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/
Proiseact Nan Ealan http://www.en.gaelic-arts.com/
My Pinkie Promise http://www.mypinkiepromise.co.uk/
Graham Hood Photography http://www.grahamhoodphotography.com/
Mod Merchandise http://www.acgmod.org/merchandise
North Highland College http://www.northhighland.ac.uk/
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Mod on BBC ALBA
THE ROYAL NATIONAL MOD LIVE FROM CAITHNESS ON BBC ALBA
BBC ALBA is delighted to announce that it will be broadcasting daily programmes live from this year’s Royal National Mod. The Mod, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, is the Gaelic community’s most prestigious celebration of arts, music, culture and language and this year’s festival takes place in Caithness for the first time.
BBC Gàidhlig will be producing five live programmes showcasing daily highlights from the festival from Monday 11 to Friday 15 October. On Monday, prominence is given to young Gaelic learners and the keenly contested James C MacPhee Memorial Medals which are open to boys and girls aged 13-15. On Tuesday the spotlight moves to young fluent Gaelic speakers and will feature the winners of the coveted Silver Medals. Wednesday’s programme will feature a Mod Fringe Cèilidh with performances from some of the competition winners and local artists. Thursday is gold medal day and the winning soloists are set to be the highlight of the evening’s programme along with the successful rural choirs. The final concert from Caithness on Friday will feature the winners of the prestigious Lovat & Tullibardine choral prize as well as many other winning performances from the week.
Mod 2010 will broadcast for two hours from 8.30pm except on Wednesday when it will air at 9pm. A 45 minute highlights edition will also be available each evening after 2320 on BBC TWO Scotland with a repeat the following afternoon at 1415. The programmes will be presented by highly acclaimed singer and musician Mary-Ann Kennedy.
One of the most popular events at the Mod each year is the Mire ri Mòir cèilidh, which is broadcast live on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and BBC ALBA. Presented by Morag Dhòmhnallach, the show attracts capacity audiences. This year’s cèilidh will take place on Friday 15 October at the Thurso Royal British Legion starting at 10am.
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Service for BBC ALBA, said: “Year on year, the Mod continues to gain international recognition drawing competitors and visitors not only from across the UK but also from Ireland, the USA, Canada and Australia. I am delighted that BBC ALBA and Radio nan Gàidheal are able to offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the best of the Mod through our television and radio coverage, and to join in with the excitement of the event wherever they are”.
John Morrison, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are delighted that BBC ALBA is extending coverage of the Mod. I am sure that the coverage will showcase the Mod at its best, and will also present the beautiful scenery of Caithness at its Autumn finest. “The extended coverage, and the comprehensive nature of the coverage, across a range of platforms, is a powerful endorsement of the National Mod. We are grateful to the BBC for the continued, and valued, support that they give to An Comunn Gaidhealach and to the Royal National Mod.”
Mod 2010 programming on BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal will also cater for the younger viewers and listeners as the Aileag and De a-nis? teams capture all the fun and excitement of the event.
Published: 05th Oct 2010
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Mod Programme Available
The official Mod 2010 programme is now available to buy (£4 / £5). To order your copy please call 01851 703 487. Orders can be posted out until 5pm on Wednesday of this week (6th October).
Alternatively, programmes can be bought at various venues in Caithness throughout Mod week.
For any queries re. competitions, venues etc please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Published: 04th Oct 2010
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Call for Musicians
CALL FOR MUSICIANS TO TAKE TO THE STREETS
The local organising committee are calling on all musicians to take to the streets for sessions during the Royal National Mòd 2010. Sessions are an informal way of gathering musicians together to play traditional music. So whatever your preference - Jigs, reels, songs – anything goes.
It’s spontaneous and unscripted; you meet all sorts of interesting people, swap tunes, join in, have a laugh and go home happy. A great example of this is in the Commercial Bar, Thurso every Wednesday.
For the past 11 years, the informal gathering of musicians, attracts local listeners and tourists from all over the world. Visiting musicians have come from Scandinavia to Spain on one side of the Atlantic, the USA and Cape Breton on the other. Regular players bring fiddles, Scottish border and small pipes, whistles, banjos, mandolins, guitars and there have even been visits from hammered dulcimer and oboe.
While these sessions normally take place in licensed premises, the Mòd Ghallaibh Fringe Committee is keen that Caithness particularly welcomes young Mòd-goers. For the first time every at a Mòd, the idea is that local and visiting musicians of all ages go out and play in public on the streets, meet each other and enjoy the experience.
Since the weather can be so unpredictable in October back up plans have made with several local organisations who have offered their premises as child-friendly venues. The venues include:
· Wick Pipe Band Hall in the evenings of Tuesday 12th and Thursday 14th October.
· The Ormlie Club, Thurso, in the evenings, on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th October.
· Thurso Episcopal Church, from 2-4pm from Monday 11th to Friday 15th October.
The Pipe Band Hall and the Ormlie Club are both licensed premises but children are welcome. Members of local bands, including Whiskey and Clapshot, will be out and about joining in the fun and Caithness duo, Iain & Anne Moncrieff will lead the Thursday evening session in the Wick Pipe Band Hall. Local youngsters Fèis Ghallaibh will also take part.
Published: 04th Oct 2010
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Fringe Programme Available
The Mod 2010 Fringe Events Programme is now available, which details a range of events which will be taking place in Wick and Thurso throughout Mod week.
Pick up a copy of the Fringe Programme locally or view online at www.caithnessmod2010.co.uk/fringe
To book tickets, or for further information regarding the Fringe programme, please contact Alex Patience, Fringe Converner - [email protected]
Published: 02nd Oct 2010
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Royal Seal of Approval
HRH THE DUKE OF ROTHESAY TO VISIT 107th ROYAL NATIONAL Mòd
CAITHNESS EVENT RECEIVES ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (The Royal National Mòd), Scotland’s premier festival celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, will this year play host to a very special visitor, HRH The Duke of Rothesay.
On Thursday 14th October, HRH The Duke of Rothesay will visit the nine day celebration of Gaelic music, dance, drama, arts and literature, meeting local Gaelic and Caithness organisations, listening to Gaelic music and presenting the prestigious Gold Medals.
The Royal National Mod, which runs from Friday 8th until Saturday 16th October, is set to attract thousands of spectators to the Caithness towns of Wick and Thurso.
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach said: “HRH The Duke of Rothesay will have the opportunity to meet some of the competitors, staff and local community who have worked hard all year to make this year’s Royal National Mod a success.
“Fourteen years ago, HRH The Duke of Rothesay visited the 1996 Royal National Mod in Blairgowrie and we’re delighted to welcome His Royal Highness back to the Mod, this time to Caithness to help celebrate the first time the Mod has been here in its 118 year history.”
John McLeod, president of An Comunn Gàidhealach, will join The Duke as he meets a select set of businesses and local producers as part of the Gaelic and Caithness showcase which takes place in The Dome, North Highland College in Thurso. His Royal Highness will have the opportunity to chat to some of the local Caithness businesses including Mackay Country Project, Swelkie Felt and Mey Selections who will be exhibiting their products and services as part of the showcase.
The Duke will also view a selection of the finest local food and drink produce on show as part of ‘Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink’, which is supported by EventScotland. The initiative has been launched to encourage people in Scotland to experience great produce on their doorstep.
Members of Caithness based Mey Selections whose products and ingredients are sourced from within a 100 mile radius of the Castle of Mey, the Queen Mother’s home in Caithness, will meet His Royal Highness and offer a taster of a specially designed shortbread for the Mod.
The Duke of Rothesay will also present the two winners of the Mod Gold Medal competition with their prizes. The Gold Medal, which can only be won once in a lifetime by an individual, is awarded for solo singing in Gaelic, with one medal for men and one for women. The winners will then treat HRH to an exclusive performance of the Gold Medal winning song.
Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, which is the oldest and most respected Gaelic organisation, The Royal National Mòd is a competition based festival which attracts competitors from Gaelic communities throughout the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Canada and the USA and is considered the biggest event of the Gaelic calendar.
The festival kicks off on Friday 8th October with a grand opening ceremony taking place in the early evening followed by a traditional energetic ceilidh to get visitors in the mood for the week long competitive festival.
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “We’re delighted to see HRH The Duke of Rothesay visiting The Royal National Mòd - one of Scotland’s most unique events celebrating Gaelic culture and heritage. It’s particularly fitting that His Royal Highness, such a passionate believer in the values of organic produce, should pay a visit in 2010 -Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink.”
The Royal National Mòd is supported by The Highland Council, Caledonian MacBrayne, EventScotland, the national events agency, through its International Funding Programme, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Royal Mail, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and BBC Alba.
For full festival programme and details, visit www.acgmod.orgPublished: 01st Oct 2010
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Cultural Value of Creativity
Creativity, the Mòd and the economy in Caithness and Sutherland
On the eve of the Royal National Mòd's launch in Caithness, international figures from the world of design are to meet business people from the North to explore the economic and cultural value of creativity.
Highlands and Islands fashion designer Sandra Murray MBE and international Art director and designer Simon Costin, are part of a day of events at Caithness Horizons in Thurso on October 7 which has been organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
As well as meeting the designers, businesses are being invited to a range of presentations from bodies including Arts in Business; Cultural Enterprise Office; Hi-Arts; Creative Highland and Mackay Country. Topics covered will include the development of festivals and events, how to raise funding from the private sector, current developments in the arts in Highland, the role of heritage and provenance in creative product and how to go about turning creative ideas - music, art, design, events and festivals of all sorts into real products.
The event will provide an opportunity for networking as well as access to specialist advice and the chance to learn more about resources which may be available to support development. Attendance is free but places are limited and should be booked in advance.
"Caithness is delighted to welcome the Royal National Mòd. As well as directly supporting the fringe programme HIE, as the region's economic and community development agency, also wants to showcase the wonderful products and produce from the area to the many visitors the event will attract. Exploring the positive impact of events and festivals with businesses, and the role of the cultural and creative activity within this, helps us all recognise the valuable contribution they offer to economic development and the tourism sector," said Rachel Skene, HIE's Head of Tourism in Caithness and North Sutherland.
"We are thrilled that Simon, who has worked with so many of the top names in the fashion world including the late Alexander McQueen, has taken inspiration from the people, activities and history of the area and is capturing some of this as a unique display for the Mòd."
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gaidhealach, said: "The Royal National Mòd is delighted to be associated with this prestigious event. We regard Sandra as a perfect Ambassador for our Language and Culture. In addition to being a world-renowned designer, Sandra is a fluent Gaelic speaker and a strong supporter of the Royal National Mòd. Her reputation and her connections in the world of design have allowed the Mòd to attract Simon Costin to Caithness. An Comunn Gaidhealach is indebted to Sandra, and to HIE, for bringing this innovative event to Caithness."
The day's events will culminate in a reception at Caithness Horizons, which is open to all and starts at 5.30pm, to unveil the HIE commissioned installation which will be on show for the duration of the Mòd in the window of Aurora, located at 5 Rotterdam Street, Thurso. Simon, who gave his own time for free, has worked extensively with world wide designers creating highly creative and imaginative art sets for photo shoots and catwalk shows. He has a personal interest in British heritage and folklore; his personal ambition is to create a Museum of British Folklore.
To guarantee your place at the event please contact Joan at Caithness Horizons by email or phone, [email protected] or 01847 896508.
Published: 01st Oct 2010
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Food & Drink Line Up
ROYAL NATIONAL MOD ANNOUNCES EXCITINGFOOD AND DRINK LINE UP FOR OCTOBER EVENT -
WICK MARKET CALLS OUT FOR MORE CULINARY EXHIBITORS
Helping to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (The Royal National Mòd), Scotland’s premier festival celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, which is taking place in Caithness in October 2010, has announced the details of its food and drink programme.The nine day celebration of Gaelic music, dance, drama, arts and literature, running from Friday 8th until Saturday 16th October, is set to attract thousands of spectators to the Caithness towns of Wick and Thurso, two of the most northerly points of mainland Scotland. This is the first time in its 118 year history that the event has taken place in Caithness.
A selection of the finest local food and drink companies will be showcasing their products including ‘Mey Selections’, ‘Highland Business College ‘,’Good Highland Food’...and a host of other local suppliers. ‘Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink’, which is supported by EventScotland, has been launched to encourage people in Scotland to experience great produce on their doorstep.
The food element of the Mod will run throughout the week-long festivities from the 11th to the 15th of October and will feature an array of free culinary experiences using locally sourced produce through. Highlights include a welcome breakfast on Monday the 11th and a lunch on Tuesday the 12th of October, which will be catered for, using local produce, by The Highland Business College and will take place at The Dome, North Highland College in Thurso.
The Literature Awards lunch on Wednesday the 13th of October will be catered for by Thurso’s The Pentland Hotel, again using wonderful, fresh local produce. Caithness based Mey Selections whose products and ingredients are sourced, wherever possible, from within a 100 mile radius of the Castle of Mey, will be creating a delicious three course meal using top local chefs and fresh Caithness produce – this will be served at the Highland Business College on Thursday the 14th of October from 1.30pm.
Mey Selections has also designed and produced a specially branded shortbread for the Mod, which will be available to buy throughout the event.A lunch to confirm the Royal Mod 2014 location will take place on Friday 15th of October at the North Highland College catered for by Good Highland Food (located near Inverness). These events are all free and open to the public, Mod competitors & visitors – places are subject to availability.
As part of the Royal Mod Fringe programme, there will be Ready Steady Cook style events taking place in the college on 14th October as well as the Captain's Galley event where Scrabster chef Jim Cowie will be carrying out food demonstrations on Friday 15th in the Captain’s Galley. Tickets for the Captain’s Galley event cost £10 and money will be split between two charities - RNLA and RNMDSF.
And if that’s not enough....there will also be a entertainment and culinary festival style event taking place in the Market Square, Wick on Saturday 9th October, running from 10am - 6pm. Entertainment will kick off at 11am on Stevens Stage and will feature an array of local and national artists including the renowned Skerryvore and Bodega – these daytime performances are free. Visitors will be able to browse, sample and purchase from various market stalls showcasing Northern & Gaelic traditions and wonderful local produce, ranging from everything from Old Pulteney malt whisky/liqueur and Berry Good flavoured vodka to goats' cheese, bakery products, smoked products, pig roast, eggs and jams.... with more to be announced. Crafts and activities for children and adults will be on offer throughout the day Organisers are calling out for more food and craft stalls to take part – for more information and to register interest please contact John Bogle on [email protected].
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach said: “Scotland’s larder is one to be proud of and we’re delighted with the food and drink line up which is planned for the event. There will be a wonderful array of culinary delights for visitors to sample, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a number of lunches and demonstrations taking place throughout the week.”
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer, Event Scotland said: “The Royal National Mòd is an exciting event which we are delighted to be supporting through EventScotland’s International events programme and as part of Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink. The inclusion of some of the Highland’s finest local food producers in this year’s programme showcases the breadth and diversity of Scotland’s larder. Bringing together people from across the Highlands, it is a fantastic celebration of Gaelic language, culture and food and drink, one which contributes toward making Scotland the perfect stage for events.”
The Royal National Mod kicks off on Friday 8th October with a grand opening ceremony taking place in the early evening followed by a traditional energetic ceilidh to get visitors in the mood for the week long competitive festival. Competitions begin on Saturday 9th October and the main competitive element running from Monday 11th October, providing opportunities for people of all ages to perform in a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music, song, dance, drama, sport and literature. The grand finale will take place on Saturday 16th October when the Massed Choirs will gather and parade in Thurso town centre, led by local Pipebands.
For more information please contact Alison Henderson on 07552 167801 or email [email protected] For full programme details visit www.acgmod.org
Published: 01st Oct 2010
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Mod Legacy is Stitched Up
An exquisite collection of quilts will become part of the legacy of the Royal National Mòd coming to Caithness thanks to the Kross Kounty Quilters, a group of seven quilters based in Caithness & Sutherland.
June Booth, member of the Mòd Local Organising Committee, had the original inspiration for a raffle quilt as a fundraising idea which was endorsed by other members of the committee who helped turn it into a reality. In particular, Deputy-convenor of the Organising Committee, Christine Stone was hooked on June’s idea and it was Christine who made the initial contacts, on June’s behalf, to Lyn Ball a member of the Kross Kounty Quilters.
From the initial meetings with the Kross Kounty Quilters June Booth said “Christine and I soon realised, to include all the elements we would like in the raffle quilt, the commission would have to be for more than one quilt. From here our job was made easy by the enthusiasm of the Kross Kounty Quilters who accepted our ‘shopping list’ of ideas and presented us months later with the very unique and high quality raffle quilt and a triptych consisting of, banner and two heritage quilts of which we are very proud to be associated.”
The seven quilters – Lyn Ball, Katrina Stewart, Irene Milne, Patsy MacAskill, Janet Corbett, Fiona Murdoch and Elly Dunbar have a history of working on joint Patchwork & quilting projects and many years of experience of working closely together. Each quilter worked on various stages of the pieces using their own skills and expertise and always working to a two week deadline before handing the work on to the next quilter.
Irene Milne, the statistician for the group, said “For all four quilts we spent forty five hours on the design work and two hundred hours sewing.” Lyn Ball added “The Kross Kounty Quilters were all absolutely delighted to be invited to do this commission. We had our first meeting with June & Christine in June 2009 and received very clear instructions of what they wanted us to depict on the quilts. “We started work on the raffle quilt almost immediately and handed it over to June at the beginning of December. In January 2010 we commenced on the triptych quilts working on them as a whole work albeit in three pieces. We feel very privileged to play this part in the hosting of the Mòd in Caithness and equally delighted that the triptych will remain in Caithness Horizons, Thurso and become part of the colourful history of Caithness. It has been a great pleasure working with June and Christine, two very enthusiastic and inspiring ladies.”
Caithness Horizons Centre manager, Beki Pope added: 'Caithness Horizons is pleased to be able to accept the banner into the decorated arts element of its Collections. The banner not only represents the talented artists and craftspeople that live and work in the county, but also reflects the cultural impact of the Mòd coming to Caithness.’ June Booth added “We’ve sold a lot of raffle tickets for the quilt because everyone who has seen it instantly wants to win it. We’ve already sold tickets to people in Australia, Canada and in various parts of Europe. We will continue to sell tickets right up to the end of the Mòd so there’s plenty of time to see the quilt and buy a ticket before there are none left.”
Christine Stone, Deputy-Convenor of the Local Organising Committee said “The attention to detail on the quilts is absolutely fantastic. We wanted the work to reflect everything about Caithness and to leave a meaningful legacy after the Mòd has gone. The finished work is very special and has certainly exceeded our expectations in every way. All the pieces of work are truly breathtaking. “On behalf of June, myself and the committee, it gives me great pleasure to thank the Kross Kounty Quilters for all their efforts and for allowing us to be part of an amazing experience.”
During the week of Mòd the banner and heritage quilts will be displayed in Caithness Horizons and the raffle quilt will be displayed at various locations with ticket sales continuing until the end of the Mòd. If you're not lucky enough to win the quilt, you could take a consolation prize home – the Local Organising Committee were so impressed by the designs on the quilt, they commissioned Christmas cards with the same designs. These are available to buy via the Mòd outlets. BBC Alba were present at the recent official handing over of the Banner and heritage quilts to the Mòd Local Organising Committee in the Pentland Hotel, Thurso. The occasion was filmed and featured in the programme, 'An Latha',on 20th September.
Published: 29th Sep 2010
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Mod Music Memory Store
Please click on the following links to view recent entries for the Mod 2010 Music Memory Store:
Published: 28th Sep 2010
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Volunteers Sought for Mod
Over 8000 people are expected to flood into the area for the Royal National Mòd 2010 which will be held in Caithness during October.
The local organising committee has been working hard, organising fund raising events as well as making sure arrangements are in place to make sure that everyone who visits are well looked after.
Graham Cameron, a volunteer with the local organising committee and member of the Melvich Gaelic Choir, is responsible for making sure there are enough people on hand to act as stewards for the many competitions and events that will be held during the week of the Mòd.
Graham Cameron said “We have a great response from a number of people volunteering to help out but we still need more stewards for the actual week of the Mòd. It’s going to be a busy time and we will need a number of people on hand to help with the stewarding arrangements. If anyone has any free time during the Mòd, I’d be delighted to hear from them”
If you are willing to volunteer to help out during the week of the Mòd which takes place from Saturday 9th October to Saturday 16th October then contact Graham Cameron on 01641 571246 or email [email protected].
Graham added “Stewards will be required to assist with a range of duties including selling tickets/programmes, controlling access to competition venues and marshalling competitors. Even if someone can only help out for a day or two, or simply a few hours, I’d be delighted to hear from them. We want to have our visitors leave with a positive image of Caithness and it would be great to see the community come out and provide some support.”
Volunteers are also required for some of the Fringe events and if you can help provide support Mòd Fringe Convenor, Alex Patience would be delighted to hear from you.
If you would like to hear more about the support required meetings have been organised for Wednesday 29th September at the Weigh Inn at 6.30pm for support to the Mod and the Pentland Hotel at 7.00pm if you think you could help with the Fringe activities.
With only two weeks to go accommodation in the county has been filling up fast. If anyone still has available accommodation they should contact Dave Martin, Convenor of the Accommodation Committee by email [email protected] or by phone: 01955 661 260.
Published: 28th Sep 2010
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Co-op Backs Mod 2011
The Co-operative is backing the 2011 Royal National Mod, which takes place in the Western Isles, with £5,000 donation to the local organising committee. Planning is already underway for the October 2011 Mod, the premier festival of Gaelic culture and language, and The Co-operative, which has stores across the Western Isles, is supporting the event.
Lorraine Christie, The Co-operative’s Regional Operations Manager, said: “Staging the Royal National Mod in the Western Isles will be a real highlight for people across the islands, as well as attracting many visitors. “We are sure it will be a success and a tremendous boost for the local community, and as a community retailer we are delighted to be able to play our part to help with the costs of planning.”
Alex MacDonald, Convenor of the Mòd nan Eilean Siar local Committee said: “The organising committee greatly appreciates the generous support of The Co-operative Group. Next year’s Mod will be a very significant event for the islands, and we’re delighted to have such support from a retailer that plays such an important role in the local community.”
Pictured are Michael Boylan, Co-op Operations Manager, Alex MacDonald, Convenor Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011 local committee and Steven Cooper, Co-op Branch Manager, MacAulay Rd Superstore, Stornoway.
Published: 21st Sep 2010
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Mod on the Ocean Wave
Caithness is the proud host of the National Mòd this year and its associated Fringe is staging a wide range of events. The ambitious and innovative programme extends beyond the traditional fare to include a Surfing Taster Session in celebration of Thurso’s uniqueness as a world class surfing destination. This event aims to introduce the uninitiated to the sport of surfing, and particularly to foster the involvement of local youth, although all age groups above 8 are welcome to attend.
The inspiration for the event is local surfing enthusiast, Sheila Finlayson. She is spearheading the Mòd Fringe surfing activities, arranging coaching from members of the prestigious British Surfing Association at beginner and intermediate levels.
Taster sessions will be available on Tuesday 12th October at Dunnet beach at 10.00, 1130, 1330, 1500 and 1600 hours. Those taking part must be 8+ years (with adult supervision for anyone under 16) and while these sessions are free donations would be welcome. Sheila, along with Mike Heddle, will lead the series of short taster session and will provide the essential equipment and facilities. Sessions will be limited to six per session so it is essential to book your place in advance.
In the longer term, Sheila has hopes to inspire the re-surgence of the area’s former surfing club, the North Shore Surf Club. The beaches of the local coastline are unrivalled in surfing circles, ranging from the sweep of white sands at Melvich to the powerful waves of Brims Ness, bearing the full force of the North Atlantic. Sheila hopes to harness the potential offered by this varied and pristine coastline to form a surfing club for the benefit of current and future generations.
Anyone who is interested in attending the Surfing Taster Session should contact Sheila on 01847 890730, mobile 07908593322 or by email to [email protected]. If anyone has surplus surfing equipment which they would like to donate it can be handed in to Homeaid in Princes Street, Thurso before 30 September – mark it for the attention of The Mòd Surfers.
In the meantime, the Mòd Fringe organisers are also interested in donations of general household paint from the public to paint screens for various Mòd Fringe activities. All colours are welcome, especially bright, vibrant colours, in both gloss and emulsion. Yatching varnish would be appreciated too. Partly used tins are welcomed as well as full ones. Paint should be handed in to Annie Kieran at Thurso Library’s Swanson Gallery by Tuesday 28th September – 1pm-5pm (Mon to Wed), 1pm-8pm (Fri) or 10am-1pm (Saturday).
Published: 20th Sep 2010
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Convenor’s Cèilidh
The Convenor of the Local Mòd Ghallaibh 2010 Organising Committee warmly welcomes you to the Convenor’s Traditional Cèilidh, which will take place on Thursday 14th October 2010, in the Ball Room of the Pentland Hotel, Princes Street, Thurso, Caithness at 10pm.
A fantastic evening of celebration and entertainment - Henry MacInnes, Fear an Taigh; Monach Isles Ceilidh Band; Guest Piper - Andrew Harvey; Guest Artistes Including - Maggie MacDonald, Alasdair MacArthur, Chrissie Cumming, Riona Whyte, Seumas Campbell, Ceitidh Smith, Kenny Nicolson, Alasdair Whyte and many more!
Tickets - £5 members, £8 non-members available from An Comunn Gaidhealach on 01463 231 226, at the An Comunn Gaidhealach Mod Ghallaibh Office, Thurso High School during week of Mod Ghallaibh, or at the door. Looking forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!
Published: 17th Sep 2010
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Mòd Ghallaibh Shortbread
Mey Selections, working with Caithness Biscuits and The Royal National Mòd, have created a Special Edition Shortbread, not on offer anywhere else in Scotland, to promote the Mòd activities taking place in Caithness during October 2010. (8th – 16th October).
We are offering Toffee Shortbread, in 2 pack sizes; as a pillow pack (2 biscuits) or as a retail pack (6 biscuits). Only one batch of this product will be made, set to go into production w/c 27th September and we are offering you the chance to stock this product to maximise advertising during the period that the Mòd is here.
Toffee Shortbread / Aran Milis Tofaidh
Product Case Size Cost Price (per Case)
Pillow Pack (2) 50 £19.50
Retail Pack (6) 15 £17.55
Minimum Order is 1 full case, unless otherwise agreed with Mey Selections at point of order.
All orders must be placed by Friday 24th September. Please note: this will be the only run of this shortbread; no further orders will be taken after this date.
Please place all orders through Mey Selections by completing the retail order form attached and sending it for the attention of Laura Edwards, either by:
Email: [email protected] or Fax: 0845 8380490
Published: 15th Sep 2010
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Mod Fringe Launch at Blas
MÒD FRINGE PROGRAMME WILL BE LAUNCHED AT BLAS
The Mòd Fringe programme will be launched at the Blas Festival Concert. The Blas Festival has been devised by The Highland Council in partnership with Fèisean nan Gáidheal and the Promoters Arts Network. The festival aims to play a role in celebrating the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands. The Weigh Inn will play host to the Blas Festival in Caithness on Saturday 11th September and will feature the James Graham Trio, Breabach and Fèis Ghallaibh Folk Group which features local young vibrant musicians keen to show their musical talents.
Alex Patience, Mòd Fringe Convenor said “It seems fitting to launch the Fringe programme at the Blas Festival. Both organisations are focussed on sharing high energy music, talent and our cultural identity - in blending something local with the national and to have a good time doing it. “We have a full programme of Fringe events and the Fringe programme will be distributed widely throughout the county and much further South. Our plan was to create a great series of Gaelic and traditional culture events and to showcase Caithness as a place more folk should get to know - and that there’s hardy northern spirits here who’ll welcome them and celebrate the Mòd.”
Raymond Bremner, Convenor of the local organising committee for the Royal National Mòd said, “I would encourage everyone to get involved as there is something for everyone in the programme. The work that has been put in to get these events organised has been amazing given everyone is working in their own time to make these happen. It is now only four weeks before the Royal National Mòd 2010 and if we really want to capitalise on the bigger tourism picture it is important that everyone living in the county ensures our visitors go home with happy memories of Caithness and a desire to return. Launching the Fringe programme at the Blas Festival was a perfect fit – the festival will feature pipes, fiddles, whistles, songs, dancing and local talent and is a good example of some what will follow with the Mòd ”
Blas are supporting the Caithness Mòd and you can too by booking tickets at the local box office on 01847 890243 or by purchasing at the door.
Published: 09th Sep 2010
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Gaelic Taster Sessions
Following workshops held in June to provide a basic Gaelic starter course two additional classes have been organised.
The events, hosted by North Highland Tourism, will be held on Tuesday 14th September in Castletown Heritage Centre from 1030-1230 hrs and from 200-400 hrs in Mackays Hotel, Wick.
Jill McNicol, North Highland Tourism said “I was delighted with the interest that the first workshop attracted. This is not meant to be an intensive course, it is very basic and simply allows people the opportunity to meet and greet people in Gaelic if they wish. It’s like going abroad on holiday and saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in the language of the country where you are staying – it’s simply a nice thing to be able to do”
Murray Lamont, Mackays Hotel added “I asked if it was possible to hold a dedicated workshop for the staff that work at the hotel. When the visitors for the Mòd start to arrive in October I wanted my staff to be capable of greeting them in Gaelic and hopefully this will show everyone that we will go that extra mile to make them feel welcome.”
Anyone interested in attending the workshops on 14th September should contact [email protected].Carol-Anne Mackay, Event Support Officer for the local organising committee said “I would encourage anyone with an interest to attend the workshop in September. It was good to see the interest the first workshop generated and shows that people understand the potential benefits that the Mòd will bring to Caithness.”
Published: 07th Sep 2010
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Auction for Caithness Mod
The local organising committee of the Royal National Mòd and the Rotary have joined forces to organise an auction to raise funds for the Mòd and Rotary local charities. The auction will take place on Saturday 4th September at the Weigh Inn, Thurso starting at 7:30pm with the auction kicking off at 800pm.
Local Mòd singers will also provide some entertainment for the evening with a variety of Gaelic tunes. Auctioneer for the evening is Iain Thomson, formerly of Thurso Auction Mart who will taking on the bidding wars for over 50 lots ranging from dinner for two, fishing for 10, to hairdressing vouchers and even a bit of slave labour thrown in.
Carol-Anne Mackay, Event Support Officer to the Local Organising Committee of Mòd Ghallaibh 2010 said “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the local shops, companies and individuals for donating such a wide range of lots for this auction. We’d like to thank everyone who has kindly donated and also thank the Rotary for their help in organising this event. “There are far too many donations to list in full so I would suggest you come along to see for yourself the range of goods that you can bid for and grab yourself a bargain. All monies will support the fundraising efforts for the Royal National Mòd and will also benefit local charities supported by the Rotary so make sure you bring your wallets.”
Published: 31st Aug 2010« Back to Mod News List
Advertise in the Mòd programme
If you would like to advertise your business in this year's Mòd programme please contact Michelle Martin on 01463 732223 Ext 124.
The Publishers are New Century Publishing Group and their website is at http://www.ncpg.co.uk/
Published: 19th Jul 2010
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Caithness Mod - Volunteer for Stewarding?
We would like to take this opportunity to ask for your help and support with regards to stewarding at Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìogail 2010 in Caithness. It is always a challenge to recruit sufficient numbers of stewards to oversee the running of the Mod in the host location. Stewards offer their time and support at the Mod on a voluntary basis and An Comunn Gàidhealach are indebted for the vital work they do year after year. The stewards are a crucial and integral part of the Mod and, without them, the event simply wouldn’t be able to function successfully.
If any of your branch members or friends are willing or able to lend their support in any way shape or form at Mòd Ghallaibh 2010 and would like to sign up to become a steward, please contact the Local Organising Committee Steward Convener, Graham Cameron, for further details: Tel. 01641 571 246 or by e-mail, [email protected] or contact Carol-Anne MacKay, Events Support Officer, 8 Gunn Court, Thurso, KW14 8QP, on the phone, 07801 063 021 or via e-mail; [email protected]
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t had any previous experience of stewarding at Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail before, An Comunn Gàidhealach will be offering informal, basic training days prior to the event in order to inform you of your duties and role as a Mòd steward.
Importantly, we hope that you will find the experience of being a steward an extremely rewarding and worthwhile one.
Published: 16th Jun 2010
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Mod 2010 - Music Memory Store
Music Memory Store - Billy Miller.pdf
|
Music Memory Store Billy Miller |
| My history is Thursa boygie from Shore Street, Fisherbiggins. I was born in 1956, schooled in Thurso and trained in Dounreay as a mechanical technician. Then going on to work for BP as a Mechanical Supervisor offshore and then as a Mechanical Engineer in the Middle and Far East before returning home to work on the Thurso Lifeboat as the station mechanic in 1996. My Celtic connection comes from my wife Carol whose family originate from Kinlochbervie, we have 2 children Donna and Michael aged 28 and 26 who both live in Thurso. |
| An Ataireachd Ard (The surge of the sea) sung by Karen Matheson and Capercaillie is my choice for this clever project, but, it is the complete album of songs which evokes many memories for me. The first being the TV programme from which we get its title,‘The Blood is Strong’ screened some time ago in the late 80’s about the Highland Clearances, a fantastic insight into our culture and history directed by Ted Brocklebank. In my opinion the masterstroke was the accompanying music played by Capercaillie and sung by their lead singer Karen Matheson who has to be one of the finest singers of our times. Sean Connery says in Highlander “her throat has surely been touched by God”. This was my wakeup introduction to Gaeldom and Gaelic music and although I personally don’t speak our native tongue I love the music. A few years back now my wife Carol and I were over west at her family home in Kinlochbervie visiting her uncle Billy Mackay Polin and his late wife Sarah who both talked Gaelic as a first language. I brought with me my favourite Gaelic CD ‘The Blood is Strong’ and popped it on their CD player thinking this would impress them but, to my surprise and delight Aunt Sarah sat and sang every tune with lyrics, word for word, and there was me thinking I was bringing something new to the party! An Ataireachd Ard is my favourite track because it relates to the sea and reminds me of the many times we sailed around the beautiful Highlands and Islands of Scotland in the Royal National Lifeboard service and the many friends and hospitality we encountered along the way, in places such as Barra, Oban, Tobermory, Kyle, Portree, Lochinver, Orkney and Shetland. |
| Is e An Ataireachd Àrd air a sheinn le Karen Nic Mhathain a thagh mi airson a’ phròiseact innleachdach seo, ach tha an clàr gu lèir a’ cuimhneachadh iomadh rud dhomh.Is e fear dhiubh am prògram TV, ‘The Blood is Strong’, deasaichte lè Ted Brocklebank, mu na Fuadhdaichean Gàidhealach, a chaidh a chraoladh sna 80an a chuir sealladh àraid air ar n-eachdraidh is cultar. Nam mo bheachd-sa, b’ e an ceòl aig Capercaille a bha aig crìdhe a’ phrogram agus a chuir dreach shònraichte air. Is e Karen Nic Mhathain a bha na prìomh sheinneadar, mar a thuirt Sean Connery an Highlander “tha làmh Dhè sa ghuth aice”B’ e seo a dhùisg mi gu ceòl Gàidhlig agus a’ Ghàidhealtachd. Ged nach bruidhinn mi ar cànan, tha ùidh agam sa cheòl. Bliadhna neo dhà air ais bha mi fhèin is mo bhean Carol air a’ chost an ìar aig dachaigh a cuideachd an Cean Loch Biorbhaidh, Uilleam Mac Aoidh Polin agus a bhean nach maireann, Sara. Bha Gàidhlig aca lè chèile mar an ciad cànan. Thug mi leam CD mo mhiann, ‘The Blood is Strong’ agus chluich mi sin an dùil gun glacadh e an inntinn gu mòr. Ach ’s e a thachair gun do thòisich Sara a’ seinn gach òran, facal air an fhacal, agus mise an dùil gun tug mi rud neo-àbhaisteach thun na cuirm!An Ataireachd Àrd, ceòl mo mhiann. Carson? Tha gu bheil e ag innseadh mun mhuir a sheòl mi iomadach uair, timcheall Eileanan Alba agus tìr àlainn na Gàidhealtachd, nam obair còmhla ris an Royal National Lifeboat Service. Choinnich mi ri mòran dhaoine coibhneil agus fhuair mi aoigheachd am Barraigh, an t-Òban, Tobar Mhoire, An Caol, Port Rìgh, Loch an Inbhir, Arcaibh agus Sealtainn.. |
| An Ataireachd Ard (Surge of the Sea) by Capercaille, The Blood is Strong by Survival Records, SURCD 014 (library details) Copies of the CD are available to borrow, at no cost, from the collection of CD’s selected as Music Memory Store choices from the Wick and Thurso Libraries, as a partnership between the Mòd Ghallaibh Fringe and the Highland Libraries. It can be heard on Caithness FM as a part of the Hughie Manson Show on Monday evenings and on Radio nan Gàidheal. |
| Copies of this CD are available to borrow, at no cost, from the collection of CD’s selected as MusicMemory Store, from Wick and Thurso Libraries. It can be heard on Mondays 7-8pm on Caithness FM as a part of the Scottish Show with Hughie Manson and on Radio nan Gàidheal. MusicMemory Store is a partnership between the Mòd Ghallaibh Fringe and the Highland Libraries – Caithness branches, Wick & Thurso.Contact The Mòd Ghallaibh Fringe: [email protected] |
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RULE CHANGES 2010 - PRESS RELEASE
Rule changes for Mòd 2010Preparations for Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2010 are now well under way as Caithness gets set to host the annual event for the very first time in its history. It is anticipated that Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival will attract up to 8,000 people to the area during the nine day event in October, providing a welcome boost to the region, economically and culturally.
National organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach have announced a number of new changes to the Mòd rules which are now effective for the 2010 event. These include the submission of all own choice music pieces by 30th June. Failure to do so will result in the Mòd office deducting 3 marks from the competitor’s total mark in each relevant competition. This year also sees a proportionate increase in the number of fluency card holders required for certain choral competitions in line with the long-term aim of improving the fluency levels of choir members. For full detailed information of these changes, please visit www.acgmod.org
Mòd Administrator, Rena MacAskill said, “It’s important that all competitors are fully aware of the rule changes before entering competitions. A full list of the updated rules is available from An Comunn Gàidhealach’s website or further information can be obtained by contacting the Mòd office on 01463 709705.”
Mòd 2010 in Caithness will also see An Comunn Gàidhealach make a concerted effort to recruit as many adjudicators as possible who have skills in both Gaelic and music. An Comunn Gàidhealach President, John Macleod said, “In keeping with our aims to encourage the use of Gaelic and boost its value in modern times, we want to reach a stage where, in relevant competitions, we have a combination of Gaelic adjudicators who have recognised musical knowledge, and music adjudicators with a knowledge and understanding of Gaelic. We have identified a number of individuals who we feel would be suitable for this role and who would, undoubtedly, enhance the judging process, have the ability to deliver adjudications in Gaelic as appropriate, and enhance the credibility of the event. This process may take some time to fully implement, but it will begin this year with some Provincial Mòds and later at the Royal National Mòd.” For any further information regarding Mòd 2010 in Caithness, please visit www.acgmod.org or www.caithnessmod2010.co.uk Published: 09th Apr 2010« Back to Mod News List
NEW COMPETITION FOR MOD 2010
Lochaber Area Committee Quaich
Mod 2010 sees the addition of a new competition to the Literary syllabus, which is open to all secondary school pupils in the local area. The lucky young winner will be presented with the Lochaber Area Committee Quaich, which was presented to An Comunn Gaidhealach to encourage creative writing by young people.
The Quaich will be awarded to the most promising young creative writer from the area in which the National Mod is based each year. The competition is open to all Secondary school pupils in the Caithness and Sutherland area. Entrants will be required to create a piece of writing (minimum 200 words) discussing the history of the Mod host area.
Any schools or individuals wishing to submit entries for this new competition should complete a Mod Entry Form and submit online or by post to An Comunn Gàidhealach, 109 Church Street, Inerness, IV1 1EY by 31st May 2010.
Further information is available from Marina Macleod at [email protected] or telephone 01851 703 487.
Published: 06th Apr 2010« Back to Mod News List
MOD ENTRY FORMS NOW AVAILABLE
Entry forms for this year’s Mod are now available for submission online. Alternatively Competitors can download a form and post it to: Rena Macaskill, Mod Administrator, An Comunn Gàidhealach, 109 Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1EY. Please contact Rena on 01463 231 226 with any queries. All competition entries must be on the correct official entry forms and must be accompanied by the correct fee. All entries must be received by 31st May 2010. NEW DEADLINE Published: 05th Apr 2010« Back to Mod News List
IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS TO RULES
The official rules for the Royal National Mod have been updated, all competitors should read through them carefully and note any relevant changes which may affect their competitions. It is imperative that all competitors adhere to these rules.
Rules of An Comunn Gaidhealach (amended Mar 2010).doc
Published: 05th Apr 2010« Back to Mod News List
Panel Selected for Gaelic Debate
Does Gaelic play a part in the culture and history of Caithness?
A panel of 5 community representatives and a public audience will debate the role that Gaelic has to play in the culture and history of Caithness this Saturday 27th March 2010 in the MacKays Hotel, Wick.
Hosted by journalist and broadcaster, Lesley Riddoch, the panel will consist of well know Caithness faces James Campbell (Thurso) and Harry Gray (Wick). Harry was awarded Caithness Citizen of the Year in 2006 for his support to the community and James has previously contributed to public forums on the introduction of the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Act 2005. Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Arthur Cormack, has been charged with rolling out the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Plan and will be on the panel while other panel members will include Rob Gibson, MSP and Neil Robertson, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
An open invitation has been given to all members of the public to attend and ask questions and already a number of people have indicated their attendance including local councillors, recording artists, senior representatives of Gaelic organisations and local historians.
The debate has been organised by the Local Organising Committee for Mòd Ghallaibh 2010 as a prelude to the first National Mòd, Scotland’s premier Gaelic Festival, to be held in the county this October.
Raymond Bremner, Convenor of the Local Organising Committee said “I am delighted with the response. With the community looking to diversify the economy in the run down of Dounreay, it’s important that we understand how we best consider the part our heritage has to play in our future and Gaelic in particular. The debate will allow everyone who has a point of view to put it forward.
“This certainly seems to have captured the imagination of many people and in view of recent concerns reported in the Press I would like to stress that we are not looking for a public slanging match. I have spoken to a number of our Councillors recently, who are fully supportive of the LOC and the Mòd in Caithness this year, and some of them have said they are looking to attend. We want a good, honest and structured debate and I really hope that members of the local community turn up and make their views known.”
Guests and members of the public will be invited to gather at 1pm for a chance to meet and chat. A finger buffet is being provided by the Local Organising Committee and the debate gets underway at 2pm.
Lesley Riddoch will open the debate with key questions that have been raised recently in the public arena and on internet discussion forums.
Published: 29th Mar 2010« Back to Mod News List
MÒD EVENTS HOTTING UP
Mòd activities organised by the Local Organising Committee are gathering a pace to help raise funds for the National Mòd which will be held in October 2010. A youth disco has been organised in Skinandis on Friday 26th March and for those that enjoy a different kind of music there’s a ceilidh in Strathy Hall on the evening of Saturday 27th. The ceilidh has a great line up of artists including Mary Ann Kennedy, well known Gaelic singer/musician. Mary Ann Kennedy said “Congratulations to the Mòd Ghallaibh team who have been working so hard, not only to ensure the success of the festival in October, but to leave a positive and lasting Gaelic legacy in Caithness as a result of the Mòd. I’m really looking forward to being in Strathy on Saturday – it was one of the venues for an early “Cliar” gig and I have fond memories of the hall, the area and, most importantly, all the folks in the area. I’m looking forward to coming back.” Carol-Anne Mackay, Events Support Officer to the Local Organising Committee of Mòd Ghallaibh said “The pace is starting to quicken as the Local Organising Committee start to organise different events to raise funds for the National Mòd. There are a lot of local people giving up their free time to organise a variety of events like these. We really hope that people will come out and support them. “We’re always looking for ideas for fund raising events to support the Mòd and if anyone has any ideas or wish to get involved I would encourage them to get in touch with me.”Published: 24th Mar 2010
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Literature Competitions!
This is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your Gaelic writing skills to a wider audience, and in doing so creating the possibility to win some monetary prizes! For further information, please contact Marina Macleod: [email protected]01851 703 487
Published: 24th Mar 2010
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Public to have a say on Gaelic culture
Does Gaelic play a part in the culture and history of Caithness?
The Local Organising Committee for Mòd Ghallaibh 2010 has organised a debate to let members of the public have their say on the role of Gaelic, Scots, English (and Norse) in modern Caithness, as a prelude to the first National Mòd, Scotland’s premier Gaelic Festival, to be held in the county this October.
The debate will be held on Saturday 27th March 2010 at 1400 hrs in Mackays Hotel, Wick with a panel of five community representatives and hosted by award winning journalist and broadcaster, Lesley Riddoch. Members of the public are invited to come along, ask questions and air their views.
Raymond Bremner, Convenor of the Local Organising Committee said “There appears to be a wide range of views on whether embracing Gaelic culture in Caithness is relevant. We felt it was time to ask members of the local community what they think and we are really pleased that Lesley Riddoch has agreed to host the debate.”
The National Mòd 2010 is coming to Caithness in October and there are a lot of people working away behind the scenes now to ensure that visitors to Caithness are given a warm welcome. Holding an event like this, has provided significant benefits to the economy of Oban and the surrounding area where the Mòd was hosted last year and this debate gives people an opportunity to ensure their views are heard.”
Lesley Riddoch, whose mother’s family are from Wick, added, “I’m delighted to host this event. I know this is a really hot topic and hope that the local community will not hold back so we can have a lively, honest and constructive debate.
As someone who spent 16 childhood summers in Caithness, I know it’s a great place to stay with a unique blend of cultures. If the whole community gets behind the National Mòd 2010 then visitors will be talking about their Caithness experience for years to come.”
Published: 16th Mar 2010« Back to Mod News List
MÒD INFORMATION AVAILABLE NOW IN HOMEAID STORE
Local support continues with the HomeAid outlet in Thurso making space available for a Mòd Information point.
The information point, which will be staffed by volunteers from the local organising committee, will be open 6 days per week from 10.30am to 4.30pm and will have merchandise on sale as well as providing leaflets and general information on Mòd activities throughout the year.
Carol-Anne Mackay, Events Support Officer said “This is a terrific opportunity to inform everyone about the events that will take place in the run up to the National Mòd in October. We hope that this will allow us to keep everyone informed of the exciting events that are being organised.”
Raymond Bremner, Convenor of the Local Organising Committee added “We have been extremely pleased at the number of volunteers that have come forward and if anyone thinks they can offer help to man the information point or to help out in other ways we’d be pleased to hear from them.”
“An information point is essential in making sure everyone is informed of the events being organised and general information on the National Mòd. We are extremely grateful to HomeAid staff in helping to make this happen.”
HomeAid General manager, Michele Whibley, said “HomeAid was set up to help and support our community. By hosting the National Mòd in Caithness there will be undoubted benefits to the area and because of this we had no hesitation in agreeing to provide space for the local organising committee to promote the Mòd. We are very pleased that we have been able to help.”
Published: 09th Mar 2010« Back to Mod News List
Mòd 2009 photographs now available from Graham Hood Photography website
Graham Hood, the official photographer for Mòd 2009, has a collection of Mòd photographs available for viewing on his website:
http://grahamhoodphotography.com/?load=flash
Published: 10th Oct 2009
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Mod 2009 Results Service
This years' competition results will be added to our website on the day of the competition.
The results service will begin on Saturday 10th October and will be viewable on our website on the following page:
http://www.acgmod.org/nationalmod/results-2009/
Published: 08th Oct 2009« Back to Mod News List
The Royal National Mod on “The Hour” (06/10/09) - 5-6pm STV
Joy Dunlop, Gaelic Development Officer for An Comunn Gaidhealach is being interviewed about the Royal National Mod and singing on STV's "The Hour" programme tomorrow night - 5-6pm on STV. Published: 05th Oct 2009« Back to Mod News List
The Royal National Mod’s first podcast
An Comunn Gàidhealach chief executive John Morrison explains what we can expect from this year's celebration of Gaelic music and culture at the Mod in Oban.
« Back to Mod News List
Mod programmes and tickets out now!
Mod programmes and tickets are now available to buy from our Inverness & Stornoway offices and the Mod Exhibition/Shop in Oban. Published: 29th Sep 2009« Back to Mod News List
Mod Video Diaries Online
Several overseas and local competitors in this years mod will be posting online video diaries of their preparation for and experience of the festival.
The first of the competitors’ video diaries by Ronald from Austalia is now available to view on our website at 2009diaries.acgmod.org
Published: 22nd Sep 2009« Back to Mod News List
