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PICTURES: Musical greats and sporting champions in Inverness –a celebration of Gaelic music, shinty and football - a round up of all the pictures from the first Saturday at the Royal National Mod in the Highland capital


By Louise Glen

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Picture shows Choir from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, the Highland’s first designated purpose-built all Gaelic school. performing on stage at the special Our Language, Our Music concert will feature an all-star line-up of guest musicians. Notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.
Picture shows Choir from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, the Highland’s first designated purpose-built all Gaelic school. performing on stage at the special Our Language, Our Music concert will feature an all-star line-up of guest musicians. Notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.

A real treat for all ages, the Royal National Mòd on its first Saturday in Inverness was an energetic showcase of the riches Gaelic culture has to offer.

Saturday morning’s shinty throw up marked the start of the weekend’s cultural activities, with under 14s coaching and competition sessions, all in Gaelic.

Picture shows Joy Dunlop compering on stage at the special Our Language, Our Music concert will feature an all-star line-up of guest musicians. Notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.
Picture shows Joy Dunlop compering on stage at the special Our Language, Our Music concert will feature an all-star line-up of guest musicians. Notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.

The shinty shindig was rounded off with the women’s and men’s Mòd Cups, won for the ladies and the gents by Inverness City.

Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland
Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland

At the other side of the Highland capital, Inverness Royal Academy played host to the Mòd’s Football Cup.

A tightly contested match between Glasgow Island and Loch Ness FC saw Glasgow Island crowned champions for 2021.

Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland
Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland

If sport wasn’t your thing, you certainly weren’t going to miss out!

There was another chance to get moving with a pop-up cèilidh at the Eastgate Centre, which has families up dancing on Saturday afternoon.

Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland
Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland

Elsewhere, musical trio Marloch performed at The Botanic House in a vibrant meeting of modern and tradition.

Young talent provides the backbone to the future of Gaelic culture and this didn’t go unnoticed as the Mòd got underway.

Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland
Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland

Sharing the stage at the Our Language, Our Music concert on Saturday night with traditional music greats Duncan Chisholm, Mairearad Green, James Duncan MacKenzie and the amazing Ar Cànan ‘s Ar Cèol House Band, was some of the Highland’s most incredible up-and-coming young musical talent.

Women's Inverness Shinty team prepare ahead of The Women's Mòd Cup against Alba Women as part of The Royal National Mòd in inverness 9/10/21
Women's Inverness Shinty team prepare ahead of The Women's Mòd Cup against Alba Women as part of The Royal National Mòd in inverness 9/10/21

And just to be sure everyone got in on the action, a ticketed live stream was set up from where it was all taking place, at the Empire Theatre at Eden Court.

James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Our opening weekend has already been a great success and we appreciate everyone who has come out to support the Mòd since its launch on Friday. ”

Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland
Gaelic Medium shinty Coaching Session taking place prior to the men and women's Mod Shinty Cup matches at Bught Park Inverness at The Royal National Mòd 2021 in Inverness, Scotland

Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “The first weekend has certainly provided a welcome celebration for all those taking part in events in person or online. The coming week will also no doubt provide many opportunities to engage in Gaelic events, and celebrations of all that is best in Gaelic culture. We look forward to a fantastic week and wish all participants the very best.”

Picture shows Choir from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, the Highland’s first designated purpose-built all Gaelic school. performing on stage at the special Our Language, Our Music concert will feature an all-star line-up of guest musicians. Notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.
Picture shows Choir from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, the Highland’s first designated purpose-built all Gaelic school. performing on stage at the special Our Language, Our Music concert will feature an all-star line-up of guest musicians. Notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.

The Royal National Mòd is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Highland Council, Events Scotland, The Scottish Government, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.

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.

Our Language, Our Music concert will featuring an all-star line-up of guest musicians, the Choir from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, the Highland’s first designated purpose-built all Gaelic school, Astar and notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.
Our Language, Our Music concert will featuring an all-star line-up of guest musicians, the Choir from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, the Highland’s first designated purpose-built all Gaelic school, Astar and notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.

The Royal National Mòd will run until Saturday October 16 2021.

View the full programme and purchase tickets now at https://www.ancomunn.co.uk/.

Picture shows Choir from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, the Highland’s first designated purpose-built all Gaelic school. performing on stage at the special Our Language, Our Music concert will feature an all-star line-up of guest musicians. Notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.
Picture shows Choir from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, the Highland’s first designated purpose-built all Gaelic school. performing on stage at the special Our Language, Our Music concert will feature an all-star line-up of guest musicians. Notable fiddle player Duncan Chisholm, award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green, Isle of Lewis piper and flautist James Duncan Mackenzie and the amazing Cànan’s Ar Cèol House Band will get toes tapping at the Empire Theatre, Eden Court at 7.30pm. There will also be a host of up and coming musical talent as young Gaelic musicians will take to the sfor the first time.

READ: PICTURES MOD INVERNESS: Royal National Mod gets under way in the Highland capital - all the pictures from the first day


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