Millie Bonniwell and Esme Macleod, pupils of Oban Mod Academy and RockTheld Primary School’s Gaelic Unit, came home with prizes from Barra Local Mod. Millie won solo singing for ages five to seven, while Esme won conversation under 13 years. Both children had a great day and are both competing in the Royal National Mod.
In glorious autumn sunshine, the eighth Barra Local Mod got under way in Castlebay Community School on Saturday September 22 and continued, like the sunshine, to brighten the rest of the day. Millie Bonniwell and Esme Macleod, pupils of Oban Mod Academy and RockTheld Primary School’s Gaelic Unit, came home with prizes. Millie won solo singing for ages five to seven, while Esme won conversation under 13 years. Both children had a great day and are looking forward to taking part in the Royal National Mod later this month.
One of the event’s organisers Jean Campbell said: ‘Despite a wedding in Castlebay and other activities, entries were up on previous years; an encouraging sign perhaps of the importance of the Gaelic language in the community. ‘While it may be unwise to speak of a resurgence, at least there seems to be an increase in interest. But care is needed, and the imposition of a second language on a young person can be counter-productive. ‘Attendance at the evening ceilidh, at which the trophy winners able to attend strutted their stuff and strutted it well, was aThected by the nuptials in Castlebay ‘city centre’, but the quality of the performances we heard was of the highest standard, junior and senior.