Robert's Mòd - 24.10.24

It was, by all accounts, a Mòd for the ages. I joined the ranks of Lochaber Gaelic Choir’s tenor section – conducted by Mary Ann Kennedy. As is customary, no sooner had we come offstage than I escaped with a few altos and sopranos for a dram in Markie Dans – watching the results on the television above the bar. 

We came a very respectable second in the Margrat Duncan competition to a strong Govan Gaelic Choir. Also in the pub was Graeme MacDiarmaid who, in a shameful abandonment of his own Lochaber roots, had bolstered the bass section of… you’ve guessed it… Govan! I will be writing to An Comunn Gàidhealach to request a VAR review on the matter! 

In seriousness, though, coming second in an excellent competition was nothing to be ashamed of and it provided the obvious silver lining that we could stay in the pub rather than return to the Corran Halls for a winning photo! 

After a bite to eat in the Argyllshire Gathering Hall, where Atomic Piseag had just launched their 25th anniversary album and Andrew MacDonald was playing for the choir dinner dance, I headed to Aulay’s Bar to have a pint with Ian Smith from Trail West. 

I could hardly get in the door of the public bar where Charlie Kirkpatrick and his band had the place bouncing. 
A stagger to the lounge bar revealed a great table of young, traditional Gaelic singers: former trad medal winner, Iain Beggs from Barra, as well as Joe MacNeil and Innes Scullion who had competed this year but were putting rivalries aside in favour of drams. Claire Frances MacNeil then appeared – still celebrating having won the female trad medal the night before. 

I had intended embarking on something of a pub crawl but, every time I tried to leave, another familiar face would come in. My old Skipinnish pal, Alasdair Murray, came in the door and, such was our delight at bumping into one another, we celebrated as if we’d won the Lovat and Tullibardine! 

The atmosphere in the pubs was extra special this year because there was no traditional Friday night Mòd final dance in the Corran Halls. This, instead, took place on Saturday night with Trail West selling out the venue for a wonderful night of highland music. 

Earlier that day, Michael and Joanie Garvin (with Alan Irvine on drums) had kept the cèilidh going at the Whisky Vaults and, of course, the stunning massed choirs brought an official end to a remarkable festival. 

I am now particularly excited for next year’s Mòd in my native Lochaber.  The committee is chaired by Iain Robertson (no relation!) with my old school pal, Carolyn Groat, at the helm as convener. With that team, you can bet your mortgage that next year’s festival is going to be a good one. Chì mi ann sibh!