COVERAGE OF THIS YEAR’S GLASGOW MÒD

PHOTOS & RESULTS

16-PAGE SPECIAL INSIDE

Sandy Macdonald-Jones, a long-time active participant in Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghal and established poet, was crowned Bàrd a’ Chomainn Ghàidhealaich last Wednesday.

The appointment this year resumes on an annual basis for the first time since 2004, highlighting the strength and resurgence of Gaelic literature in recent years.

The day also saw Jenny Black from Brechin named Gaelic Learner of the Year.

Sponsored by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society for Scotland, the award acknowledges a Gaelic learner who has made significant steps to becoming fluent.

Jenny is currently studying at Edinburgh University on its Provision of Gaelic medium education course and will be graduating next year. She hopes to go on to teach young children the Gaelic language and to demonstrate to others the importance of being part of the Gaelic world.

John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: ‘Congratulations to Jenny, who epitomises everything the Gaelic Learner of the Year Award celebrates and who, I am sure, will go on to do wonderful work inspiring the next generation of Gaels.’

Commonly known as Literature Day, supported by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), last Wednesday’s competitions included drama, poetry and storytelling.

Robert Quinn, head of English, languages, and business at the Scottish Qualifications Authority, said: ‘The Royal National Mod showcases the best of Gaelic language, literature and the arts to a global audience and once again we at SQA are delighted and privileged to support An Latha Litreachais. 2019 is International Year of Indigenous Languages and the Royal National Mod gives us the perfect platform to showcase and celebrate all aspects of Gaelic culture. And as Scotland’s national awarding and accreditation body, SQA is responsible for developing dynamic courses and qualifications that allow Gaelic speakers – both learners and fluent speakers – to further their skills, and knowledge. We are committed to the growth of Gaelic and are determined to promote the acquisition and learning of the language and encourage the increased use of Gaelic where possible.’

17_t43_dm_ModWednesday06 Literature day winners.

17_t43_dm_ModWednesday04 Allan Campbell, president of An Comunn Gàidhealach, crowns new Bard Sandy Macdonald-Jones on Wednesday, which is also known as literature day.

15_SN_ModWed_02 Jessica Hanvidge, of Acadamaidh Rioghail Inbhir Nis, won the coveted An Comunn Gaidhealach Silver Medal in Tuesday’s solo singing competition for girls aged 13 to 15. Sporting her silver medal at the scene of her triumph in Glasgow College, the 15 year-old said: ‘It means a lot because it was so unexpected. I want to start doing Gaelic more. It is important for the culture to keep it alive.’

Abbie Morris, Àrd-sgoil Ìle, won the solo singing girls, ages 16-18, open. She shared the Turriff Trophy for highest marks in Gaelic with the winner of the boys’ 16-18 years competition Samuel MacAoidh.

17_t43_dm_ModWednesday09 Jenny Black, 22, from Brechin, was crowned this year’s Gaelic Learner of the Year.