Lewis group win Council Mod folk competition

Bun-sgoil Bharbhais in Lewis are winners of the Folk Group Competition for under 13 year olds at Mòd nan Eilean Siar sponsored by The Highland Council and Fujitsu. The Folk Group is an open category of competition for which groups have to sing two songs of their own choice with accompaniments of musical instruments.

Councillor Isabelle Campbell, Vice-Chair of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee said: “We are pleased to be collaborating with Fujitsu for the second year in sponsoring this competition.  The quality of the musicianship of all the groups who took part was of an extremely high calibre, and I am pleased to say that Bun-sgoil Bharbhais won this exciting and popular competition.

“The young people are a credit to their parents, their schools, their teachers and local communities.  Their enthusiasm proves that the hard work and commitment from both the young competitors and their instructors can reap worthy rewards.  I believe that they will be fantastic traditional music bearers of the future and wish them every success.”

Congratulating Bun-sgoil Bharbhais on their achievement Brodie Shepherd, Fujitsu Scotland Director – Public Sector, said: “Fujitsu are very proud to be able to support the Mòd as part of our long standing commitment to Highlands and Islands communities.  This is a fantastic celebration of Gaelic culture and the hard work of these talented young people.  The the prize enables them to take something back to their schools to further develop their talents which their fellow students can also use.”

John Morrison, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gaidhealach welcomed the partnership support for the competition: "An Comunn Gaidhealach is delighted that The Highland Council and Fujitsu partnership continues to support this competition to encourage youth participation at the 2011 Royal National Mòd.”

Bhuannaich Bun-sgoil Bharbhais Farpais nan Còmhlan-ciùil dhaibhsan a tha fo aois 13, aig Mòd nan Eilean Siar.  Tha an fharpais a’ faighinn sponsaireachd bho Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd agus Fujitsu.  ’S e earrann fhosgailte a tha ann am Farpais nan Còmhlan-ciùil agus feumaidh na còmhlain dà òran dhan roghainn fhèin a sheinn, le cùl-taic bho innealan-ciùil.

Thuirt an Comhairliche Isabelle Chaimbeul, Iar-chathraiche Comataidh Gàidhlig Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd: “Tha sinn toilichte a bhith ag obair ann an co-bhoinn le Fujitsu airson an dàrna bliadhna a’ toirt sponsaireachd dhan an fharpais seo.  Bha comasan ciùil nan còmhlan air fad a ghabh com-pàirt aig ìre àrd dha-rìreabh, agus tha mi toilichte a ràdh gun do bhuannaich Bun-sgoil Bharabhais an fharpais tharraingeach is bheothail seo.

“Tha adhbhar aig na pàrantan, na sgoiltean, na tidsearan agus na coimhearsnachdan ionadail aig na daoine òga seo a bhith fìor mhoiteil àsta.  Tha an sunnd a’ dearbhadh gu bheil obair chruaidh agus dealas, an dà chuid bho na farpaisich òga agus an oidean, a’ cosnadh dhuaisean luachmhor. Tha mi gu mòr a’ creidsinn gum bi iad nan luchd-ciùil traidiseanta sgoinneil san àm ri teachd agus tha mi a’ guidhe gach soirbheachas dhaibh.”

A’ mealadh naidheachd Bhun-sgoil Bharabhais thuirt Brodie Shepherd, Stiùiriche Fujitsu Alba – Roinn Phoblach: “Tha Fujitsu moiteil taic a thoirt dhan a’ Mhòd mar phàirt de dhealas leantainneach do choimhearsnachdan na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean.  Tha e fìor mhath a bhith a’ comharrachadh cultar na Gàidhlig agus obair chruaidh nan daoine òga tàlantach seo.  Tha an duais a’ toirt cothrom dhaibh rudeigin a thoirt air ais gu na sgoiltean aca agus tuilleadh leasachaidh a thoirt air na tàlantan aca, agus is urrainn dha na sgoilearan eile an duais a chleachdadh cuideachd.”

Chuir Iain Moireasdan, Àrd-oifigear a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich fàilte air an taic chom-pàirtich airson na farpais: “Tha An Comunn Gàidhealach fìor thoilichte gu bheil com-pàirteachas Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd agus Fujitsu a’ leantainn air adhart a’ toirt taic dhan fharpais seo gus òigridh a bhrosnachadh gus com-pàirt a ghabhail ann am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2011.”