Biggest Oban mòd to date lives up to all the hype
It was dubbed the biggest Oban Provincial Mòd in recent times – and it certainly lived up to the expectations.
Friday saw hundreds of children, who were full of excitement thanks to a day off school and perfect weather conditions, make their way to various venues around Oban.
Every corner of the Corran Halls was being utilised, so much so that one of the competitions had to be moved and conducted in the bike shed outside.
However, no one seemed to mind. They were most likely glad to be getting a bit of the sunshine. In between competitions, children could be seen practising outside for up-coming events, or practising their football skills.
As well as the Corran Halls, youngsters also packed in to the Cathedral hall, the Scout hall and the Great Western Hotel.
Friday morning was all about the solo competitions, and badges were proudly put on display as competitors were presented with their prizes.
The highlight of the afternoon was the primary school choirs, and it was Rockfield who shone in both categories.
However, adjudicator and president of the Royal National Mòd, and Lochaber Times columnist Allan Campbell said the standard was extremely high.
‘You have done Oban Provincial Mòd proud,’ he said to the competitors. ‘But more importantly you have done yourselves and Gaelic proud. Thank you for that.’
Speaking to the Lochaber Times afterwards, Mr Campbell said: ‘I feel encouraged by what I heard today. I feel encouraged by the standard of Gaelic I heard.
‘When you adjudicate at something like this and you find it extremely difficult to separate competitors it’s usually a sign of quality and that’s what we had here today.’
And while Friday was all about the children, on Saturday it was the adults’ turn. Taking up residence in the new Oban High School, solo singers performed in the morning and in the afternoon it was back to the choirs.
Oban Gaelic Choir were in top form, winning the own choice and the puirt-a-beul, and Oban Ladies’ Gaelic Choir also won the male or female voices competition.