INVERNESS MOD: Opening ceremony in Highland capital sets out stall for Royal National Mod on first weekend - with picture gallery including presenter Ellen MacDonald, Gaelic singer Margaret Stewart, Staran with Kim Carnie and The Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band with Ingrid Henderson
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Bean an taighe (mistress of ceremony), Ellen MacDonald welcomed an in person and virtual audience to Eden Court in Inverness for the opening ceremony for the Royal National Mod, last night.
The singer, from Inverness, set the tone for what will be a return to Gaelic singing, culture and music during the festivals competitions and concerts.
Featuring unforgettable performances from Staran, Glenfinnan Cèilidh Band and legendary Gaelic singer Margaret Stewart.
Margaret Stewart is a renowned Gaelic singer from the Isle-of-Lewis, with a career spanning more than 20 years, with three studio albums to her name.
She said: "It’s been a long time since I’ve performed in front of a live audience and even longer since I’ve been involved in any National Mòd concerts, but next week I am delighted to be ticking those two boxes at the one event. "
‘Staran' are a new musical collective featuring some of the biggest names in traditional music.
The band comprises of Kim Carnie, who also sings with Manran, John Lowrie, Jack Smedley, Innes White and James Lindsay.
The group released its debut album in May 2021. ‘Staran’, meaning path, trail or stepping stones in Gaelic, reflects the themes of ‘places’ and ‘moments’ that run through their music.
The Glenfinnan Cèilidh Band featuring Iain MacFarlane (Blazin’ Fiddles), Colm O’Rua (Daimh) on banjo, Iain MacMaster on accordion and Ingrid Henderson (Cliar) on piano and clarsach.
The band was formed for the sheer fun of playing good music together their unique blend of West Coast dance music will get your toes tapping.
Look in the picture gallery to see all the photos from the opening ceremony.
The Royal National Mòd 2021 is taking place from Friday 8th – Saturday 16th October 2021 at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. Using a hybrid approach, there are a combination of in-person concerts and competitions, as well as a dynamic schedule of online performances being broadcast throughout the week.
A number of COVID safety measures are in place for this year’s Mòd in line with government guidelines to keep audiences and performers safe, including extensive cleaning and ongoing COVID safety checks, enhanced hygiene measures, use of face masks and track and trace check-ins.
Highlights of the celebration will include major competitions An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal final and the Traditional Gold Medal. There will also be unmissable performances fiddler Lauren MacColl and many more.
The prestigious festival, which was founded in 1891, is supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Highland Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne, The Inverness Common Good Fund and SQA.
The full programme for this year’s Royal National Mòd can be viewed at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
Tickets are available to buy from Eden Court box office www.eden-court.co.uk.
