Islay’s Alasdair Currie strikes Mòd gold

ISLAY singer Alasdair Currie could hardly believe it after being announced as winner of the Gold Medal at the Mòd on Wednesday night.

Speaking to The Oban Times and the Lochaber Times shortly after his winning performance, Alasdair said: ‘I wasn’t expecting it at all. I’m very surprised. Competitions went well in the morning, but I was less confident about the final at night. The competition setting is a bit different – the nerves kicked in a bit more.’

Adding to this, the 21-year-old was lucky to be able to compete after losing his voice in the run-up to the competition. ‘I lost my voice after my graduation at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a fortnight ago.’ he explained.

Speaking on the morning after his big night, Alasdair reflected on his victory, saying: ‘This is something I’ve always had as an ambition, to win the Gold Medal, especially since I’m not a native Gaelic speaker.

‘I’ve not really had time to let it sink in. I’ve been getting loads of messages but not had a chance to reply.’

Alasdair is originally from Lewis but now regards himself as very much an Islay local. He owes his Gold Medal victory to his schooling in Gaelic music at high school and at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

After completing his Gaelic and traditional music course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig earlier this month, Alasdair is moving to Glasgow to take up a job at a distillery in the city.

When asked about his plans for the future and his musical career, he said: ‘I think I’ll just enjoy the Gold Medal for now.

‘We’ll see what happens next year. ‘Hopefully the Gold Medal will help boost my career, as I want to keep singing.’