Mull Mòd returns

The Mod committee said although they were ‘incredibly saddened’ by the news of the Queen’s death, she was an avid supporter of the Mòds and they felt she would have wanted it go ahead as planned

Tobermory has welcomed back Mull’s cultural feast of Gaelic music, song and words. After an absence of three years because of Covid, Mull Provincial Mòd returned to Tobermory on Friday September 9 and Saturday September 10, bringing together soloists, choirs, fi ddlers, pipers and bards, fl uent Gaelic speakers and learners. Organisers got the offi cial go-ahead from the An Comunn Gaìdhealach, the Royal National Mòd, for the long-awaited event to carry on despite the Queen’s passing. The Mòd committee said although it was ‘incredibly saddened’ by the news of the Queen’s death, she was an avid supporter of the Mòds and felt she would have wanted it go ahead as planned, especially for the sake of the children who had worked so hard. A Mull Mòd spokesperson said: ‘The Queen loved Scotland and all within it and of course we are part of the Royal National Mod, with winners from our event going on to compete in it in Perth next month.’ Highlights of the two-day event were many, but more than 100 children singing in glorious sunshine on Tobermory beach watched by spectators from the railings above had to be the most heartwarming. Tobermory High School Pipe band also played. Friday saw seven primary schools compete with more than 150 youngsters taking part individually. The preschool action song was won by Bun-sgoil Bhun Easain and the primary action song was won by Lochaline Primary School. Còisir Òg Mhuile, conducted by Janet Campbell, won both unison primary choir competitions. On Friday evening, there was a ceilidh in Aros Hall, with music from Bunessan-based band Treshnish.

The Queen loved Scotland and all within it, and of course we are part of the Royal National Mod

There were also performances by many winning soloists, fi ddlers and pipers as well as a poem recitation and Mull Music Makers fi ddle group. Saturday was for the adult competitors. Although numbers were lower this year than in previous years, there was a wonderful atmosphere as soloists moved between Aros Hall, the Free Church and the Masonic Hall, where the morning’s competitions were held. There were only three mixed choirs this year, as well as ladies’ and men’s choirs, but the audience enjoyed a wide range of performances throughout the afternoon. The mixed choir competition was won by Taynuilt Gaelic Choir, conducted by Audrey Paterson, with Oban Gaelic Choir second and Mull Gaelic Choir third. Ceann an Tuirc, conducted by Joy Dunlop, won their competition and Oban Gaelic Choir, conducted by Sileas Sinclair, won the ladies’ competition and the puirta-beul event. Mull Gaelic Choir, conducted by Donna Dugdale, came second in the puirt-a-beul and ladies’ competitions and Taynuilt Gaelic Choir were third in the puirt-a-beul. After the adjudications were read and trophies presented, choristers enjoyed informal singing in the sun at Macgochans Bar Beag before many of them caught the bus to the last ferry home. The Mimi Ceilidh Band played at Saturday evening’s ceilidh, in between many performances from the day’s competitors, as well as from a few adjudicators. Oban Gaelic Choir carried on singing on Sunday when they crossed to Iona to give a free concert in the abbey as part of its 130th anniversary celebrating musical friendship. The Mòd committee thanks its sponsors and the almost 40 volunteers from the community who helped run the event. To sponsor a Mull Provincial Mòd 2023 competition or support us by joining our 100 Club draw, please email enquiries@mullmod.org.uk.