Island choirs shine at Mòd rural competitions
19 October 2024
Còisir Sgìr’ a’ Bhac (Back Choir) won the Lorn Shield for their outstanding performance
at the rural choirs competitions at the Mòd. Their jaunty humorous own-choice rendition
of ‘Holiday na Caillich’ - written by Coinneach ‘Red’ Macleòid of Point, Lewis -
was a huge hit with the delighted audience in Oban’s Corran Halls.
The Mrs Catherine MacDonald Silver Baton was awarded to conductor, Avril Allen.
Còisir Ghàidhlig nan Loch was runner-up in the Lorn while Còisir Ghàidhlig Bharraigh
from Barra received third prize.
Judges found it impossible to decide between Còisir a’ Bhac or Còisir Ghàidhlig nan Loch for the best proficiency in Gaelic language so awarded the Dalriada Cup equally to both groups.
Avril Allen thanked Gaelic tutor Maighread Stewart for all her dedicated efforts.
Avril said: “It’s lovely to have won because the choir really enjoyed singing this
afternoon, and we felt that we had done our very best - that doesn’t always mean
you win, but we especially enjoyed singing our own choice song today.
“It’s quite special to our choir, so we were very happy after we sang, and to win is just the cherry on top.”
Island choirs also dominated the rural Puirt-à-Beul choral event in Oban with Còisir
Ghàidhlig nan Loch (Lochs) winning this year’s contest. They fought off stiff competition
from 13 rivals to take home the Aline MacKenzie Memorial Trophy. Ronald Murray was
presented with the John Young Memorial Baton as conductor of the winning choir.
Second place was awarded equally to Còisir a’ Bhac and Còisir Ghàidhlig Thaigh an Uillt. Còisir Ghàidhlig Chàrlabhaigh from Carloway secured third prize. Also competing were Còisir Ghàidhlig Thunga of Tong and Còisir Ghàidhlig Bharraigh.
Back was awarded the Calum Robertson Memorial Trophy for the highest marks in Gaelic proficiency. Còisir Ghàidhlig Bharraigh received the Comunn Gàidhealach Prize for third place.
Còisir Ghàidhlig Thaigh an Uillt were presented with the Evelyn Huckbody Memorial Trophy for the highest marks in music.
Western Isles choirs tend not to enter the other main rural event - the Sheriff MacMaster
Campbell Memorial Quaich competition which was won by Bùrach Choir from Morvern -
led by conductor Riona Whyte - for the sixth time since they formed eleven years
ago.
Clò Na Nighean from Barra waulked their way to the Harris Tweed Authority Trophy by winning the Luadh competition (Waulking Group event).
The Grampian Television Trophy for ladies’ rural choirs was won by Còisir nan Loch with Còisir Sgìr' a' Bhac a close second. Both island groups share the Angus MacTavish Memorial Trophy for scoring the top marks in Gaelic. Ronnie Murray received the Rod Mackenzie, Sgìr a’ Bhac Memorial Baton as conductor of the winning choir.
Third prize was awarded to Còisir Ghàidhlig Thunga (Tong, Lewis).
A number of island exiles sing with Còisir Ghàidhlig Bhaile a' Ghobhainn (Govan)
which won the Accompanied Choir competition, a new event introduced only two years
ago at the Mòd. Runner-ups were Còisir Ghàidhlig nan Loch followed by Còisir Ghàidhlig
Ìleach Ghlaschu (Glasgow Islay).
Còisir Sgìr’ a’ Bhac on stage
Còisir Ghàidhlig nan Loch
