Comunn Gàidhealach ceilidh returns

Comunn Gàidhealach an Òbain has celebrated its first ceilidh since Covid restrictions brought public gatherings to a halt.

The event took place at Oban Masonic Lodge thanks to kind permission of its members.

"An excellent evening of pipe and accordion music and Gaelic singing was given by Calan MacGuigan on pipes and Lily Robertson on accordion and vocals, joined by Mòd Academy pupils from local primaries and Oban High School who sang a variety of songs which were all much appreciated by the audience," reported Ann Ferguson, who is secretary of Comunn Gàidhealach an Òbain The singers were all pupils of Oban Mòd Academy which was set up by Comunn Gàidhealach an Òbain to offer pupils the opportunity to gain tuition in Gaelic and

Areas for improvement that were identified include increasing the pace of change across the school and continuing to raise attainment in literacy and numeracy. music with a view to entering local and national mods. Mary Catherine MacLean, herself a double Mòd Gold medallist, travels to schools to give tuition.

Since returning to schools after lockdowns, Mary Catherine says she has found that pupils are as enthusiastic as before and definitely looking forward to taking part in the Oban Mòd in June this year, then the National Mòd in Perth this October.

This year’s Oban Mòd will be held on Friday June 2 for juniors at the Corran Halls. The senior day will be Saturday June 3 at in Oban High School. The syllabi for junior and senior competitions at www.comunngaidhealachanobain.co.uk or visit Furan Gaelic Centre at the Corran Halls. Entries can be submitted via the website or in person on paper to the Furan Gaelic Centre.

“We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection,” said the report.