Success is hailed as Ardnamurchan sees biggest ever competition

THIS year's Mod Aird nam Murchan enjoyed its largest ever turnout last week, with around 160 competitors taking part in the day’s event.

Convener of Mod Aird nam Murchan Fiona Maclean said: ‘We are delighted that this year we have had our biggest ever entry, with most people taking part in more than one competition.

‘We have had a lot of entries from Ardnamurchan high school, which is great because we want to encourage more high school pupils to get involved as well.

‘We also have an adult competition which we have had a great response to.

he newly formed Ardnamurchan high school choir competed in Friday’s (June 17) events. It was their first time performing at a Mòd, and they are looking forward to competing in many more.

This year's competition also saw the introduction of a new trophy for piping, donated by the daughters of lifelong Mòd supporter and piper Allen MacPherson.

The trophy was presented by Allen’s daughters at the Mòd, and was won by Fort William piping novice Laura Robertson.

Mod Aird nam Murchan’s secretary, Val Baker, told The Oban Times: ‘Allen was a great piper and a long-time supporter of this event.

'He was well liked in the community and we are pleased to have the trophy this year.’

Competitors travelled from far and wide to take part in the Mòd competitions.

One adult competitor travelled from Prestonpans, while Hannah Russell, who competed in the girls' solo singing came from Cumbernauld.

It was instrumental adjudicator Lucy Doogan’s first year judging at the Mòd and she said: ‘This is my first time doing this, and it was great to see so many people taking part in the competition.’

A fiddle player herself, Lucy added: ‘I was pleased with how many people played the fiddle, and it is clear there is a lot a future potential here today.’

Music tutor and Mòd enthusiast Riona Whyte said: ‘It is a really good busy Mòd this year, and I am really pleased with the turnout.’

You can find all the Mòd results on page 21.

21_ F26 Ardnamurchan MOD 11_ Strontian Action Song Strontian primary classes 1- 4 getting ready to take part in their action song, which is all about their new school getting built.

Lochaline primary school’s classes 1- 4, who also took part in the action song. 21_ F26 Ardnamurchan MOD 13_ Lochaline Action Song

21_ F26 Ardnamurchan MOD 14_ Ardgour Action Song Winners of the action song competition, Ardgour primary school, classes 1-5.

Brother and sister due Mitchell and Megan MacPherson, taking part in the fiddle competition, in which Megan took home first prize. 21_ F26 Ardnamurchan MOD 4_ Megan& Mitchell MacPherson

Lochaline primary school winners Floriana Lawrance and Archie Kennedy, who both won first prize in their solo singing competition. 21_ F26 Ardnamurchan MOD 9_ Archie Kennedy&Floriana Lawrance

Rona and Seumas McIntyre, who both took home top prizes in their competition. Rona won first place for fiddle, and brother Seumas received third for his poetry recitation. 21_ F26 Ardnamurchan MOD 8_ Rona& Seumas McIntyre

Frances MacDonald, 12, of Ardnamurchan high school was placed first in the under13s fiddle competition 21_ F26 Ardnamurchan MOD 1_ Frances MacDonald

Rona McIntyre, Oigridh Shuaineart learner, won first place with her Gaelic air in the fiddle competition. 21_ F26 Ardnamurchan MOD 6_ Rona McIntyre