{"id":21061,"date":"2024-10-21T14:40:38","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T13:40:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/?p=21061"},"modified":"2024-10-21T14:48:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T13:48:52","slug":"thousands-enjoy-magnificent-oban-mod-as-flag-is-passed-to-lochaber-for-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/thousands-enjoy-magnificent-oban-mod-as-flag-is-passed-to-lochaber-for-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands enjoy magnificent Oban M\u00f2d as flag is passed to Lochaber for 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Royal National M\u00dad 2024, Oban\rOur Language, Our Music Concert – The beloved Ar C\u00e0nan \u2019s Ar Ce\u00f2l (Our Language Our Music) concert at Corran Halls. A fantastic night of traditional music and Gaelic culture with performers of all ages from all over Argyll, the concert will showcase local talent including celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, F\u00e8is Latharna musicians and Makaton Gaelic Choir \u2018Aon Ghuth\u2019, who combine Gaelic singing with the Makaton communication system of signs and symbols.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 2024 Royal National M\u00f2d <\/strong>concludes what has been the largest event of its kind in five years today. Musical talents from all over the country and beyond come together in the charming town of Oban bringing an end to the remarkable nine-day festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spanning over 12 venues throughout the west coast town \u2013 known as the cradle of the M\u00f2d \u2013 from 11 – 19 October<\/strong>, Scotland\u2019s premier celebration of Gaelic language, sports, art, and culture saw approximately 10,000 visitors gather in the seaside town, an increase of 20% up on last year, and is estimated that it will have generated over \u00a32 million for the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attendees from London to Lewis descended on the town to watch as over 2,600 participants competed in over 200 competitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This morning\u2019s Massed Choirs<\/strong> performance saw choirs who have competed across this week gather to sing in joyful unison as they paraded from this week\u2019s flagship venue, the Corran Halls to Oban\u2019s Station Square, accompanied by Oban High School Pipe Band<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the tradition, the M\u00f2d flag was proudly passed to Lochaber, which will host the 2025 edition of the cherished festival, with Cllr Bremner receiving the flag on behalf of Highland Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yesterday saw an impressive round of Area Choir Competitions<\/strong> take place in the town. The incredibly talented Oban Gaelic Choir<\/strong>, conducted by Sileas Sinclair<\/strong>,took home the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield<\/strong>for their fourth consecutive M\u00f2d, making history at their hometown event and the birthplace of the M\u00f2d as the first choir to win the title four years running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outstanding Govan Gaelic Choir <\/strong>lifted the Margrat Duncan Memorial Trophy<\/strong>, led by their talented conductor Kathryn Callender<\/strong>, who also hails from Oban. This Is the first time competing in the Margrat Duncan <\/strong>and they managed to take the title on their first attempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Royal National M\u00f2d stalwart Kenny Thomson<\/strong>, was also honoured by An Comunn G\u00e0dlealach with a special token of appreciation to mark his last M\u00f2d as a conductor. The long-standing conductor of Glasgow Gaelic Choir<\/strong> (fondly known as the GGs), was recognised for his outstanding 41-year contribution to the choir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sileas Sinclair, Conductor of Oban Gaelic Choir, said: <\/strong>\u201cWe\u2019re delighted and overwhelmed to have won in our home town \u2013 we can\u2019t quite believe it. The first time we won when I took over as conductor was in Oban so it\u2019s really special to win here again. I\u2019m so proud of the choir, they have been so dedicated. This year we wanted to perform something new for Oban so we asked Alasdair Whyte to write something for us and that will always be ours. It’s been such a fantastic M\u00f2d \u2013 from starting the week with amazing talented local musicians, to the choir winning in our home, it\u2019s been amazing. I\u2019m so proud to have such a great M\u00f2d in Oban \u2013 the local committee and everyone involved have worked so hard to bring a brilliant M\u00f2d here. I was brought up with the M\u00f2d and I just love it. It\u2019s been really special to take over the choir from my Dad and to make it happen with amazing people who are like family to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kathryn Callender, Conductor of Govan Gaelic Choir, said: <\/strong>\u201cIt feels fantastic to win today \u2013 it felt good up on the stage today and we were well prepared but you just never know when you go up how it\u2019s going to go, all the ducks need to fall in a row. Massive amounts go into this event, we put a lot of work into our Gaelic. They\u2019re just a fantastic bunch of singers and this means so much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The winner of the M\u00f2d and Highland Society of London\u2019s Highland Art Prize <\/strong>was also revealed yesterday afternoon at the Rockfield Centre. Jules Mather <\/strong>of Furnace in Argyll took the top prize with her painting entitled Travelling Alone<\/strong><\/em>. Her painting was selected from a shortlist of 12 pieces chosen by celebrated artist and teacher Ishbel Murray<\/strong>. As the winner, Jules Mather <\/strong>will have the opportunity to present her work in an exhibition at The Briggait in Glasgow, courtesy of Wasps Studios, the charity that provides studio spaces to artists and creators across Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event will culminate in a grand finale tonight with a stellar sell-out performance by West Coast favourites Trail West<\/strong>, who are set to close the festival in spectacular fashion at the Corran Halls. Support comes from the 2022 double M\u00f2d medallist Ruairidh Gray.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nine-day event began with an electrifying concert by the multi award-winning trad supergroup M\u00e0nran<\/strong>whose dynamic performance and innovative fusion of traditional and modern sounds captivated audiences and set the bar high for the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beloved Ar C\u00e0nan \u2019s Ar Ce\u00f2l<\/strong> (Our Language Our Music) concert took place last Saturday.  Musically directed by Sileas Sinclair <\/strong>and compered by John Joe MacNeil<\/strong>, the concert presented an array of local talent including stunning performances from celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte<\/strong>, trad musicians fromOban High School <\/strong>and the Oban High School Pipers<\/strong>, F\u00e8is Latharna <\/strong>musicians, Oban Gaelic Choir<\/strong>, The Garvins<\/strong>, Sorren MacLean and Hannah Fisher<\/strong>, and what is thought to be the world\u2019s first Makaton Gaelic Choir<\/strong>, \u2018Aon Ghuth\u2019<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A special book launch took place on Wednesday, 16 October, at the Rockfield Centre with social media star and baking sensation Coinneach MacLeod<\/strong>, also known as The Hebridean Baker<\/strong>. The event featured stories, songs, and an engaging session with Padruig MacQueen<\/strong>, The Hebridean Hutter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the week, an exhibition celebrated the life and legacy of Jessie MacLachlan<\/strong>, the first Gaelic voice recorded on the gramophone in 1899. Curated by Mary Ann Kennedy<\/strong> and Priscilla Scott<\/strong>, the exhibition highlighted Jessie\u2019s profound impact on the Royal National M\u00f2d and her storied career as a global performer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn G\u00e0idhealach,<\/strong>said: <\/strong>\u201cOban proved to be the perfect host for the 2024 M\u00f2d and showed what an incredible epicentre for Gaelic and Celtic culture it is. 132 years since the National M\u00f2d was first hosted here and though much has changed, an enduring spirit and enthusiasm for Gaelic language and song remains incredibly strong. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all those that made this homecoming such a success \u2013 our valued partners and sponsors, local organisers, dedicated volunteers and the thousands of visitors, performers and competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe cannot wait to be back in the Highlands in 2025 and to head up the road to Lochaber for what I know will be another excellent event that will bring both cultural and economic benefits to the area.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: <\/strong>\u201cCongratulations to An Comunn G\u00e0idhealach, organisers, volunteers, judges and participants associated with the 2024 National M\u00f2d. It\u2019s been a marvellous event and you\u2019ve brought so much colour and joy to the town. I hope you all enjoy a much needed rest before preparations kick off for next year\u2019s event in Lochaber. Best of luck everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Councillor Bremner of Highland Council said: <\/strong>\u201cIt is an honour and privilege to accept the Royal National M\u00f2d flag for Lochaber and the Highlands. The Royal National M\u00f2d was last hosted in Inverness in 2021, and we look forward to welcoming all the competitors and followers of the M\u00f2d again to the region. We wish An Comunn G\u00e0idhealach and the local organising committee every success with the 2025 M\u00f2d.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland said:<\/strong> \u201cThe Royal National Mod is a wonderful celebration of Scotland\u2019s vibrant Gaelic culture, and we are proud to have supported this year\u2019s event as part of our diverse portfolio of events and festivals funded through our International Events Funding Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvents play an important role in our communities, allowing us to connect, share and enjoy memorable experiences. It is wonderful to see competitors and audiences from across the country and beyond, to enjoy this annual event that foresters a deep connection to the language, music and traditions that make Scotland unique.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), B\u00f2rd na G\u00e0idhlig, said: <\/strong>\u201cB\u00f2rd na G\u00e0idhlig would like to congratulate everyone involved in the M\u00f2d for making it one to remember. The competitions were of a high standard, showcasing a wide range of Gaelic talent.  A special thank you to Oban for your wonderful hospitality, underlining that community and togetherness are at the heart of this wonderful festival.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donald MacLeod, Convener of the Oban M\u00f2d Local Organising Committee said: <\/strong>\u201cWe are delighted with M\u00f2d an \u00d2bain 2024! Not only has it been a fantastic celebration of our Gaelic heritage, it has once again shone a light on the incredible array of cultural riches we have in Oban and surrounding areas. We have so much to build on. We wanted to make this the best M\u00f2d possible and as the event leaves its birthplace for a while, we thank everyone who helped make it such a resounding success \u2013 and wish our good friends up the road, all the very best for M\u00f2d Lochaber 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s Royal National M\u00f2d <\/strong>in Oban was supported by EventScotland<\/strong>, B\u00f2rd na G\u00e0idhlig<\/strong>, Argyll and Bute Council<\/strong>, Bid4Oban<\/strong>, The Scottish Government<\/strong>, Caledonian MacBrayne<\/strong>, BBC ALBA<\/strong>, Creative Scotland<\/strong> and SQA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Royal National M\u00f2d <\/strong>returns to Lochaber in 2025, from 10 – 18 October<\/strong>. For full results from across the week visit www.ancomunn.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The 2024 Royal National M\u00f2d concludes what has been the largest event of its kind in five years today. Musical talents from all over the country and beyond come together in the charming town of Oban bringing an end to the remarkable nine-day festival. Spanning over 12 venues throughout the west coast town \u2013 known as the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[9,37],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-21061","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-news","7":"category-newsletter","8":"entry","9":"has-post-thumbnail"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"simon","author_link":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/author\/simon\/"},"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcv15g-5tH","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21061"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21061\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21063,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21061\/revisions\/21063"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21061"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21061"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}