Choir ( and soprano) hit the high notes with host of wins

A choir from Lewis won the coveted Lorn Sheild and a host of other trophies at the Royal National Mod in Lochaber yesterday.

The Coisir Sgir a’bhac’s conductor Avril Allen was given the Mrs Catherin C Macdonald Silver Baton, and they also won the Dalriada Cup for the highest marks in Gaelic, and th e C a p t a i n Angus St e war t Trophy for the highest marks in music.

The choir also won the Hamish Graham ( Strath) Trophy for highest aggregate marks i n Ga el i c t h r o u g h o u t c o mp et i t i o n s A3 0 0, A3 0 5 an d A3 0 6 ( qu a l i f i e r s) ; a n d t h e y shared the prize for highest aggregate music marks in the same competitions – having scored equal points with Còis i r Ghài d hl i g Mhealbhai c h ( Melvich Gaelic Choir).

Ms All e n pr ai s e d s oprano si n g e r Ca r o l Ma c D o n a l d , who sang a particularly difficult high note that caught the attention of the audience.

Th e Sh e r i f f Ma c M a s t e r 0 Rachel Walker from Spean Bridge and Alasdair Macmhuirich from Islay took home the awards in the Gold Medal competition Ca m p b e l l Me m o r i a l Qu a - ich, the other main award of the day, was won by Bùrach, a choir from Lochaline led by conductor Riona Whyte.

Th e y al s o wo n th e Se l ma Shi el d f or hi ghest marks i n Gaelic, while the Grace Rob - er tson Memorial Award f or highest marks in Music was given to the Còisir Ghàidhlig Ile ( Ilsay Gaelic Choir).

Bùrach competed wearing ri bb ons of Maclean t ar t an, in honour of their late choir member Iain Maclean, who died on his return from a successful choir competition at the International Pan Celtic Festival in Ireland earlier this year.

The choir said: “His strong, melodic tone was a huge asset to the bass section, as was his encyclopaedic knowledge of Gaelic Song. Quick witted and funny – he had a humorous anecdote f or ever y o ccasion and his company and cràic was sought out, and enjoyed, by all choir members – without exception.”

Th e co mp et i t i o n s wi l l end today, followed by the massed choirs tomorrow.

Jo h n Mo r r i s o n , ch i e f executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said yesterday: “We can’t believe this year’s Mòd is already nearing its close – we’ve had a fantastic week so far and i ts testament to t he hard work of the local committee, and the skill of competing Gaels from across the world.

“We’ve seen some fantastic performances throughout, and last night’s Gold Medal was truly outstanding; huge congratulations to Alasdair and Rachel. As we reach the final few days in Lochaber, there are still some great competitions to come. The atmosphere has been electric, and we’re ve r y mu c h lo o k i n g fo r - ward to s e e i ng what t he final few days will bring.”