MOD Competition Sponsorship
The Màiri Mhòr Gaelic Song Fellowship through The Highland Council, this year sponsored one of the major Gaelic Learners Solo Vocal competitions at the Mod in Stornoway. The Fellowship sponsored the Adult Learners Traditional Singing Competition. The winner, was presented with a specially commissioned silver kilt pin incorporating the Fellowship logo, designed and made by South Uist Jeweller Roddy Johnson of Dingwall.
Fiona Mackenzie, the Màiri Mhòr Fellow said "The Highland Council is very keen to encourage Gaelic learners of all ages to sing traditional songs, much in the style that the great Gaelic Bardess Màiri Mhòr nan Òran would have herself sung. This is the third year we have sponsored the competition and the number of competitors has continued to grow every year, showing the popularity of the style. "
Winner of the Adults prize was Mairsaili Macleod of Aberdeen, and the runner up was Diane Mikkelsen of New Zealand who was participating in her first ever Mod. The winners were also presented with copies of the works of Mairi Mhor nan Oran.
The prizes were presented by Councillors Hamish Fraser, Chairman of the Gaelic Select Committee for Highland Council and Andy Anderson, Chairman of Education, Culture and Sport.
TAIC NA COMHAIRLE DHAN MHÒD
Thug Caidreachas Màiri Mhòr, tro Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd, taic do phrìomh cho-fharpais seinn aon neach aig a’ Mhòd ann an Steòrnabhagh. Thug an Caidreachas taic do Cho-fharpais Seinn san t-Seann Nòs do dh’ Inbhich. Chaidh prìne fèilidh airgid, a chaidh a chruthachadh a dh’ aon ghnothaich le suaicheantas a’ Chaidreachais, a dhealbh agus a dhèanamh le Seudair à Uibhist a Deas, Ruaraidh MacIain, a bhuineas do dh’ Inbhir Pheofharain.
Thuirt Fiona NicCoinnich, Stiùiriche Caidreachas Màiri Mhòr: “Tha Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd airson luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig dhe gach aois a bhrosnachadh gu bhith a’ seinn òrain Ghàidhlig, caran mar a bhiodh a’ bhana-bhàrd fhèin, Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, air an seinn. Seo an treas bliadhna a tha sinn air taic a chur ris a’ cho-fharpais agus tha àireamh nan co-fharpaiseach air a dhol am meud gach bliadhna. Tha sin a’ sealltainn mar a tha an nòs seo a’ còrdadh ri daoine.”
B’ i Marsaili NicLeòid à Obar Dheathain a bhuannaich duais nan inbheach agus bha Diane Mikkelsen à Sealan Nuadh, a bha a’ gabhail pàirt sa Mhòd airson a’ chiad uair, san dara àite. Fhuair iad cuideachd leth-bhreac de leabhar bàrdachd Màiri Mhòr nan Òran.
Chaidh na duaisean a thoirt seachad le na Comhairlichean Hamish Friseal, Cathraiche Comataidh Thaghte na Gàidhlig aig Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd agus Andy Anderson, Cathraiche Comataidh Foghlaim, Cultar is Spòrs.