Harris choirs enjoy the magic of the Mòd

Young competitors from the Isle of Harris are celebrating after a successful trip to the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow earlier this month.

The Sir E Scott Secondary School choir, conducted by Jayne MacDonald, earned first place in every class they entered, winning the Choral Unison, Choral Puirt-à-Beul and Choral Harmony competitions in their age group.

The success of the senior choir is especially noteworthy this year as they were a small group of a dozen singers competing against choirs more than double their size.

Harris’ junior choir, Còisir Òg Na Hearadh, achieved second place in their choral unison category and took home the Janet Kelly Brown trophy.

There was good news for Harris in the individual categories as well, with medals across the singing, storytelling and poetry categories for both Gaelic learners and fluent speakers. Island talent was on show in Highland Dancing and instrumental events too.

In the Solo Traditional Singing Girls 13-15 category, 15-year-old Flora Scott collected both the Traditional Silver Pendant and the Ann Kelly MacDonald Memorial Trophy for the highest marks in traditional solo singing.

Seumas MacLeod (14) took the An Comunn Gàidhealach Silver Kilt Pin in the 13-15

category for Solo Singing.

In adult competitions, Isla Scott, from Tarbert, reached the final of the Ladies

Traditional Gold Medal and placed third.

While the on-stage performance is the most high-profile aspect of any trip to

the Mòd, the trip was also packed with experiences for young participants,

including meeting Gaelic-speakers from around Scotland, taking part in a

science workshop, travelling on the subway and, for some, performing in a

television studio or on the radio for the first time.

“We are so proud of our choirs and what they have achieved,” said Emma

MacKinnon, chair of the Mòd Parents Committee, who organise the trip.

“As well as singing their hearts out, our young people worked hard preparing

and were a credit to the island with their excellent behaviour. None of this

would be possible without the energy and commitment of our wonderful

conductor Jayne MacDonald. We are grateful for all that she puts in to

ensure that the children have this wonderful experience.”