Stirling Observer

Gaelic singing group looking for new faces

- Donald Morton

Stirling Gaelic Choir celebrates its 70th birthday this year - and looking ahead to increasing its numbers.

On Saturday, June 16, the choir will be performing at the Stirling Provincial Mod at the Golden Lion Hotel and Allan Park South Church Halls in a “warm-up” for the National Mod in Dunoon in October.

Dunoon may be a short trip for the Gaelic singers who are used to carrying their voices as far away as Vancouver, Canada and internatio­nal music festivals in France.

Trips abroad were a dream back in 1948 when a group of Gaelic music lovers formed Stirling Gaelic Choir.

Back in 2008 for their 60th birthday, founder member Mattie Ewing - who is still going strong told the Observer: “I used to go to Mull when I was young and I loved the music.

“When I heard about the choir in Stirling I just got involved. I didn’t realise then that I’d be a member for so long.”

The choir made its first appearance at the National Mod in Oban in 1953 and in 1958 in Glasgow, they won the Margaret Duncan Memorial Trophy while conductor Archie Maclean won the Gold Medal.

The trophy stayed in Stirling from 1964-66 while in 1965, they won the John McNicol Trophy for highest marks in Gaelic.

In 1969 at Aviemore under the conductors­hip of Kirsteen Grant, the ladies choir won the Esme Smythe Trophy and the choir itself went on to win the coveted Lovat and Tullibardi­ne Shield.

Current president Catriona Laird has been a member for the past 25 years and like many of her fellow choristers, came to the choir through familial connection­s.

“My family were from Lewis originally and my mother was a great singer,” said Catriona. “I’ve

I didn’t realise then that I’d be a member for so long

 ??  ?? Gael force Singing in the streets of Embrun, France
Gael force Singing in the streets of Embrun, France

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