​The Royal National Mòd has hit a high note as it enters its seventh day of celebrations and competition in Oban.

The premier Gaelic cultural event saw world-class Gaelic vocalists from across Scotland and beyond compete in the prestigious Gold Medal and Silver Pendant competitions in the seaside town yesterday.

The coveted Gold Medal women’s prize was won by Alice MacMillan, while the sought-after men’s prize was taken by Ryan Johnston. Gaelic song and musical tradition was lovingly honoured throughout the evening as select male and female vocalists took to the stage to sing one prescribed song and one piece of their own choosing in a bid to win over the impressive panel of judges.

This year’s event sees Alice enter the history books, having taken the Traditional Gold Medal at the Perth Mòd two years ago. The Lewis singer, who hails from a family of well known Gaelic singers, now has the pair of titles to her name. Ryan set his sights on representing his home island of Islay and took the win after a seven year hiatus from solo singing at the Mòd, marking an unforgettable return.

Women’s Gold Medallist Alice MacMillan said: “I’m so, so happy to have won the Gold Medal – and I’m even happier that my family were here from Lewis to see me go for it, that means a lot to me. Both songs that I chose were ones I liked and I wanted something that was fun for me to sing. It’s easier to perform at your best when you enjoy the song. Oban has been brilliant and I really liked the hall – it was lovely to perform here. Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig!”

Men’s Gold Medallist Ryan Johnston said: “It’s unbelievable to be taking the Gold Medal home with me. It’s a fantastic feeling to be representing Islay as well at the Mòd this year, especially with it being in Oban. I’ve been preparing for a few months now and it’s been a lot of fine tuning the singing and the songs. The Mòd means a lot to me. I’ve been singing here since I was five years old so it’s brilliant to come back as an adult and step back out onto a stage like this. My family have been so involved in Gaelic music and choral singing for so long so it’s great to just be able to give this back to Islay.”

The Gaelic learner’s equivalent, the Silver Pendant, took place in the afternoon and saw young singer Flora Cummings, 20, all the way from Seattle, come out on top in the ladies competition. It was a full circle moment for Flora, whose dad won the same competition 20 years ago in Oban while her mum was pregnant with her. London’s Simon Stallard, 31, scored the highest points in the men’s competition in what is his second time at the Mòd after falling in love with Gaelic music and language.

The Argyllshire Gathering Halls played host to the Mòd Drama Final, where it was Kilmuir Drama Team from Skye who won the Premier Award, the West Highland Free Press Quaich, for their outstanding performance.

Today sees the popular Traditional Gold Medal final where solo singers perform two songs of their own choice. Competitors will go head to head for the hard-fought title in a bid to put their name in the history books in front of a packed Corran Halls audience and thousands watching at home on BBC ALBA.

Hundreds of singers will also come together for the Combined Rural Choirs’ Competitions today. Competing for the coveted Lorn Shield and Sheriff MacMaster Campbell Memorial Quaich, this event is the culmination of twelve months’ of hard work for around 25 Gaelic vocal groups.

Elsewhere across the day, there is everything from Highland Dancing to book launches for Argyll visitors to enjoy.

Coinneach Macleod, aka The Hebridean Baker, will launch his new cookbook this evening at the Rockfield Centre ahead of tonight’s Make a Scene Open Mic event – a cross between an open mic and a cèilidh that invites anyone with a new poem, story or song to share with the room. The best in Highland Dancing from right across Scotland will go toe to toe at Atlantis Sports Centre throughout the day for a spectacular display of Scottish culture.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The Gaeldom has come to Oban this week and the calibre of musicality, passion for the language and sheer vocal talent on display is truly inspiring to see. Our competition winners represent the very best of our culture and all the competitors have done themselves proud this week.

“Oban is bustling with activity and is only set to get busier as we welcome hundreds of Gaelic choir members to the festivities for two days of stiff competition. Whether an open mic night or a book launch is up your street, the fringe programme is teeming with events for visitors to enjoy and we’re looking forward to the final few days of this proud cultural spectacular.”
Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO) Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “The level of enthusiasm and talent displayed by everyone taking part in competitions this week has been remarkable, and it has been a fabulous display of participation in Gaelic culture and of community. Bòrd na Gàidhlig would like to warmly congratulate everyone who has collected awards as part of this year’s Mòd competitions, particularly Alice MacMillan and Ryan Johnston, our Gold Medal winners.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, Bid4Oban, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd runs in Oban until Saturday 19 October.

For more information, visit our website.

The fringe programme is available to view here.

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