Youthful hope for Gaelic song in Mid Argyll
Gaelic and West Highland music heard everywhere
BARELY a week goes by in summer without a music festival jampacked with bands like Tide Lines, Skipinnish, Skerryvore, Heron Valley, Ho Ro and many more. The talent in these bands is immense, and the music is rooted in Highland culture.
Traditional music has never been more popular across all generations in Mid Argyll – but what of Gaelic language and song?
There is a project led by an enthusiast of the language, Àdhamh Ó Broin, to salvage the last embers of the Mid Argyll and Cowal dialect which he has called Dalriada Gaelic.
Ceilidh
But not so long ago Gaelic song was heard in towns and villages up and down the region, with adult and junior choirs in a number of places – and accomplished male and female solo singers ready to do a ‘turn’ at many a village hall ceilidh.
Times have changed and with this our local Gaelic culture has eroded – but beautiful Gaelic harmonies can still be heard thanks to the dedication of a small band of enthusiasts.
Adult Gaelic choirs can still be found in Tarbert and Islay. In Lochgilphead and Inveraray, however, the focus is on youth.
Inveraray Primary School Choir – or Còisir Òg Inbhir Aora – is ably led by tutor and conductor Josie Campbell. One of the main targets for her young charges each year is to take part in the Royal National Mòd, held in October.
Last year the school took 10 young choristers of the 15 members to the Mòd in Lochaber where they delighted the audience with a strong performance.
‘It would be really great if we could get a few more wee singers, both boys and girls,’ explained Josie.
‘The children really enjoy singing in the choir. It is a good way to give them a sense of achievement while having fun.’
Lochgilphead-based Còisir Òg Dhàil Riata comprises older children of P7 upwards. The choir also travelled to Lochaber in October for the Mòd, finishing an excellent third in the under-19 two-part harmony.
The members are coached by Gaelic tutor Christine Johnston and conducted by Cheryl Naisby, a former choir member who last year was in charge at her first Mòd.
New singers
As they look ahead to this year’s events, including Mid Argyll Music Festival later this month and the Royal National Mòd in Dunoon, the two young choirs are keen to recruit new singers – and bolster support from adults across Mid Argyll. ‘We need the support of people who enjoy Gaelic singing and who might want to help in some way,’ said Josie.
Christine added: ‘We really want to keep Gaelic song alive in Mid Argyll. We would welcome anyone who wants to help.’
She added: ‘The children get so much from the choirs.
‘Not only is there the pleasure of singing and expressing songs, but being in a choir can really boost children’s confidence. It’s just such a marvellous thing to be involved in.’
June Graham, chairwoman of the Còisir Òg Dhàil Riata committee, said: ‘We’re looking for enthusiastic young singers to join the choir.
‘No Gaelic experience is necessary as everything is taught phonetically. Anyone from P7-S6 is welcome.’