Rural choirs: Bùrach six for six and Còisir Sgìr’ a’ Bhac knighted

Còisir Ghàidhlig Thunga (Tong, Lewis) were up first, followed by Còisir Ghàidhlig Chàrlabhaigh (Carloway, Lewis), Còisir Ghàidhlig nan Loch (Lochs, Lewis), Còisir Sgìr’ a’ Bhac (Back, Lewis), Còisir Ghàidhlig Bharraigh (Barra), Còisir Ghàidhlig Mhealbhaich (Melvich, Sutherland) and Còisir Ghàidhlig an t-Sratha (Strath Gaelic Choir, Kyleakin and Skye).

But the winner was the ones who brought the laughter to the room, Còisir Sgìr’ a’ Bhac, with their performance of ’Holiday na Caillich’ had the room in awe and hysterics. 

"It’s a funny song," said conductor Avril Allen. She continued: "I’m glad we heard them laugh.

"It’s lovely to win but what’s amazing and important is that we did our best performance.

"Even if we hadn’t won, we were happy with our performance.

"My first time at a National Mòd was in Oban, I’m now in year 22. I’m still in love with Gaelic song, and have a lot of friends here. 

"And I need to thank our Gaelic tutor Maighread Stewart, she’s incredible."

Upon claiming the shield and baton, the choir were overjoyed and gathered with the winners of the Quaich to celebrate. 

And those winners are a group you might have heard of before, as it was six wins on the bounce for the incredible Bùrach from Morvern and Mull. 

Up against them were five other choirs, Còisir Ghàidhlig Ìle (Islay), Còisir Ghàidhlig Thaigh an Uillt (Taynuilt), Còisir Ghàidhlig Luirg (Lairg), Còisir Ghàidhlig an Eilein Mhuilich (Mull) and Còisir Ghàidhlig an Iar Thuath (Ullapool). 

The judges were much harsher in the Quaich, but nothing can stop the musical machine that is Bùrach, who performed ’Pìobaire a aona puirt’. 

Their unprecedented sixth win in a row was helmed once again by conductor Riona Whyte.  

New member Jack Childs told the Oban Times that he "didn’t know what to expect" when he joined but that he was welcomed with open arms. 

"If you can hold a tune, you’re welcome" he said, "they’re on the back of many years of success it’s good to have it continue. Riona Whyte has the Midas Touch."

"I don’t know about that" said Riona. 

She continued: "I don’t know how we did six years in a row! I just give them the songs and they do it. 

"We try to be different in our arrangements, I wrote the arrangement this year myself. 

"All the choirs could win, it’s all down to what the judges want.

"We have great fun but we do all the hard work too."

Can Bùrach go for a seventh straight title? Riona says: "Well, who knows?"

They’ll certainly go for it with all their might next year in Lochaber to maintain the incredible record.