A Paisley choir wowed judges to take home a clean sweep of trophies at a major competition.
Còisir Ghàidhlig Fèis Phàislig (Paisley Fèis Gaelic Choir) won three awards at a competition which formed part of the Royal National Mòd — a nine-day celebration of Gaelic culture, featuring music, drama, poetry and song.
Day four of the festival focused on competitions for young Gaelic learners, with 27 events for performers aged 19 and under.
The Paisley choir, under the direction of Mairi McGillivray and Ellen MacDonald, dominated the Choral Unison Learner under 13 category.
As a result of their impressive performance, the choir collected all three awards on offer: the Donald and Mamie MacPhail Trophy, the Darlington Society Silver Jubilee Trophy and the Morag Robb Memorial Trophy.
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Victory also went to 14-year-old Eilidh MacInnes from Ardnamurchan, who won the James C. MacPhee Memorial Medal in the Solo Singing Learners 13–15 category for her performance of the prescribed song Do’n Chuthaig.
She also claimed the Alexander Hamilton Trophy for the highest mark in Gaelic.
Meanwhile, Erin Greig, 15, from Mull, took home the Jean Graham Memorial Trophy for the highest mark in music, and Mary Morrison, 18, from Point on Lewis, won the Provost of Falkirk Medal in the Solo Traditional Mixed Singing Learners 16–18 category.
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Maggie Cunningham, chair of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “As we reach the halfway point of this year’s festival in Lochaber, the energy for, and interest in, the Royal National Mòd shows no sign of abating – quite the opposite.
“The number of entrants, musicians and performers continues to grow, as does the event’s appeal and reach – and with it, the considerable economic, social and cultural benefits that these all bring.
“It’s fantastic to see.”
The Royal National Mòd runs until October 18, with a packed programme of music, language and family activities still to come.
It is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highland Council, the Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC Alba, Creative Scotland and the SQA.
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