Children perform superbly

THIS year’s Royal National Mòd continued as the children’s competitions heated up.

Day four at Scotland’s biggest Gaelic cultural festival saw young Gaels aged five to 19 taking part in 33 poetry, drama, song and music contests. Puppet-led yoga took place at various venues around Stornoway, and the Nicolson Institute hosted Cuilean Craicte, a workshop for parents exploring the benefits that reading Gaelic has on children’s development.

The children’s competitions continued on Tuesday, with the coveted traditional silver medals taking place at the Nicolson Institute. The adult competitions began yesterday ( Wednesday) with this year’s gold medal final taking place in the evening. The traditional final competition is today ( Thursday), and the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA tomorrow ( Friday).

John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: ‘ The children’s competitions are always a fantastic way to start the Mòd. We saw some wonderful musical performances on Saturday, and there are even more in store. The children’s ceilidhs in the evening are a great way to unwind after a busy day of competitions. The Western Isles have been excellent hosts and we’re looking forward to the rest of this year’s Mòd.’

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar convener and chairman of the Mòd nan Eilean Siar local organising committee, Norman A MacDonald, said: ‘ We have already had some fantastic performances and events over the first three days, with the torchlight parade, the Ar Cànan ‘s Ar Ceòl music showcase and the Celtic praise and Gaelic service on Sunday. For me, the children’s competitions on Monday and Tuesday are always among the highlights of the week.’

The Royal National Mòd will conclude on Saturday October 22 when a procession of choirs and pipers make their way through Stornoway to the Nicolson Institute where a massed choir finale will close the festival.