Mod issues amnesty for missing trophies

Silverware worth thousands

It is the most prestigious competition in the Gaelic world – and to come home with silverware makes you something really special.

But some worthy winners are not getting their hands on a trophy – because the prize has gone missing. And now, an amnesty has been called on missing trophies potentially worth thousands of pounds from those kept in trust by An Commun Gaidhealach, the organisers of the Royal National Mod.

Keen not to point the finger at anyone who may have simply forgotten to return the silverware, An Commun chief executive John Morrison called on anyone with trophies to hand them back so there is no disappointment for winners in Glasgow 2019.

It is understood that there are only a handful of trophies missing from the 300 or so trophies given out.

While An Commun Gaidhealach did not want to reveal the level of insurance required to cover the silverware, they did say every trophy was insured.

It is understood some of the more historic trophies are valued in excess of £3,000. This year, one regular Mod attendee had a piping trophy handed in to him, with a Post-It note attached saying, “found this in the attic and I hoped you might return it to Dunoon”.

Donnie Wright said he was happy to return the silverware, as in previous years his son had won a competition and when he turned up to collect his prize, he was told it was missing.

Mr Wright, from Inverness, said: “It takes a lot for kids to spend the time organising to get to the Mod, and when they win it is a bit of a shame that we parents don’t have the silverware to show off for all their efforts.”

John Morrison, chief executive of An Commun Gaidhealach, said: “The trophies presented during the Mod have a lot of sentimental value, and winning one is a truly special moment.

“We appreciate that a variety of factors may have resulted in a small number of trophies not being returned. However, in previous years we have found this not to be a problem, with all trophies returning to their correct home in due course.

“This year’s prizewinners are keen to enjoy these beautiful trophies in the same manner that those who won them in the previous year. So, please return any that have not been returned so the new winners can enjoy them until Glasgow 2019.”

Trophies should be returned to Balnain House, 40 Huntly Street, Inverness, or to the head office in Stornoway at Unit 7A, 7 James Street, on the Isle of Lewis.

Photograph by Sandy McCook APPEAL: The massed choirs are led through Fort William by the Lochaber Pipe Band following the Royal National Mod last year.