Gaelic plans to make language a winner

SIX public organisations in Scotland will be required to produce formal Gaelic policies within the next few months as part of an initiative to assist the language’s development, it was revealed at the Royal National Mod in Dunoon yesterday.

Bord na Gaidhlig, the national Gaelic development agency, has been instructed to identify which of the country’s 140 public agencies should be the first to develop a formal plan.

The Scottish Executive, the Scottish Parliament, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, Argyll and Bute Council and the Western Isles Council will now have to detail how they will give a higher profile to the language in the day-to-day working of their organisations.

Once they are formulated, the attention will then move in the following year to a new group of 12 agencies, which include Scottish Arts Council, Caledonian MacBrayne and Scottish Natural Heritage. Further groups will then be identified thereafter.

The formal notification comes under the terms of the Gaelic Language Act 2005, which came into force in February this year. It also requires the Bord to produce an over-arching national development.

Bord na Gaidhlig chief executive Allan Campbell said: “This is not about imposing Gaelic on organisations or people, it is abour facilitation not coercion. It’s simply about creating opportunities for Gaelic speakers and those interested in Gaelic to use the language is as many situations as possible.

“Bord na Gaidhlig also recognises that there are significant tourism and other business benefits to using Gaelic in signage and through other mediums. All of these six public bodies have already put much time, resources and energy into using the language throughout their organisations and we now expect to work with them to build on that previous activity and set further examples of good practice for other organisations.”

Meanwhile, a major event to commemorate the life and work of Gaeldom's greatest bard, Sorley MacLean, will be held next year as part of the Highland Year of Culture 2007 celebrations.

The project will be driven forward by the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton, the sixth-year high school where Mr MacLean was once a rector and which is now providing some of Scotland's most talented young musicians with a specialist education in traditional music.

Details of the scheme were unveiled at the Royal National Mod in Dunoon. It will bring together some of the top names in Gaelic music to create new compositions for some of the bard's most influential pieces.

In addition, award-winning Gaelic poet Myles Campbell will team up with James Ross, one of the country's top young pianists, to create new poems and music to compliment the contribution of the musicians who will attempt to set the bard's words to music. They include Donald Shaw from Capercaillie and the renowned Skye musician Blair Douglas.

The entire project was conceived by the Sorley MacLean Trust after funding from a range of public agencies, including the Scottish Arts Council and the Gaelic Arts Agency.

Kenneth Thomson, one of the foremost Gaelic conductors and a former Gold Medal winner at the Mod, has been handed responsibility for co-ordinating the entire project.

"This is a hugely ambitious project," he said. "The trust has assembled a wonderful line-up of some of the most talented musicians and writers in Scotland and Ireland.

"We intend to make this a fitting tribute to Sorley and this is a major step forward in the planning with the key residencies in place and the musical collaborators under way."

The collaboration will be premiered in Plockton next June and over the following eight days will tour Portree, Fort William, Dornoch, Dingwall and Inverness.

MOD RESULTS - TUESDAY

ORAL (FLUENT SPEAKERS)
C140 Understanding (16-18)
1. Iona NicIlleDhuinn, Ardsgoil Thiriodh.
2. Raonaid Urchurdan, Acadamaidh Allt a' Mhuilinn.

C142 Poetry Recitation (16-18)
1. Iona NicIlleDhuinn, Ardsgoil Thiriodh.
2. Raonaid Urchurdan, Acadamaidh Allt a' Mhuilinn.

C92 (13-15)
1. Megan McGrath, Sgoil Lionacleit.
2. Eilidh Munro, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir.
3. Christina L MacLeod, Sgoil MhicNeacail, and Kerry MacDonald, Sgoil Bhagh a' Chaisteil.


C42A (11-12)
1. Alasdair MacLennan, Sir E Scott.
2. Saffron Hanvidge, Inverness.
3. (equal) Marion MacIntyre, Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu, and Cailean MacIllFhinnein, Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.

C42 (9-10)
1. Sean M Brady, Sgoil Chairinis.
2. Clare Mundell, Bunsgoil Thaigh a' Chladaich.
3. (equal) Susan Sutherland, Meadowburn Primary, and Abbie MacNeil, Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.

C22 (5-6) (Rev. Donald Stewart, Duntulm, Memorial Quaich)
1. Mairi Callan, Fernhill School.
2. Claire Frances NicNill, Sgoil Bhagh a' Chaisteil.
3. (equal) Matilda MacLean, Bunsgoil a' Mheadhain, and Alexander Ferguson, Sgoil Bhagh a' Chaisteil.

C22A (7-8)
1. Sharyn Ferguson, Sgoil a' Bhac.
2. Eilidh Jenkins, Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.
3. Eilidh Noble, Bunsgoil Thaigh a' Chladaich.

C93 Prose Reading (13-15)
1. Mairi Chaimbeul, Sgoil-Chiuil Naomh Moire.
2. Ruairidh Alastair MacIllFhinnein, Ardsgoil Chnoc na Pairce.
3. Eilidh NicFhraing, Ardsgoil Phort Righ.

C75 (under 13)
1. Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul, Sgoil-Chiuil Naomh Moire.
2. Shannon Cowie, Bunsgoil a' Mheadhain.
3. Saffron Hanvidge, Inverness.

C143 Conversation (16-18)
1. Iona NicIlleDhuinn, Ardsgoil Thiriodh.
2. Raonaid Urchurdan, Acadamaidh Allt a' Mhuilinn.
3. James Robertson, Forfar Academy.

C90 (13-15) (Sabhal Mor Ostaig Silver Medal)
1. Christina L MacLeod, Sgoil MhicNeacail.
2. Ruairidh Alastair MacIllFhinnein, Ardsgoil Chnoc na Pairce.
3. (equal) Anna C Smith, Oban, and Eilidh NicFhraing, Ardsgoil Phort Righ.

C40A (11-12)
1. Alasdair MacLennan, Sir E Scott.
2. Iona Whyte, Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.
3. David MacLeod, Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.

C20 (5-6)
1. Claire Frances NicNill, Sgoil Bhagh a' Chaisteil.
2. Mairi Callan, Fernhill School.
3. Murdo MacLennan, Comunn Gaidhealach Mhuile.

C20A (7-8)
1. Sharyn Ferguson, Sgoil a' Bhac.
2. Catriona Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac.
3. Angus MacLennan, Comunn Gaidhealach Mhuile.

C141 Storytelling (16-18)
1. Iona NicIlleDhuinn, Ardsgoil Thiriodh.
2. Raonaid Urchurdan, Acadamaidh Allt a' Mhuilinn.

C41A (11-12)
1. Alasdair MacLennan, Sir E Scott.
2. Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul, Sgoil-Chiuil Naomh Moire.
3. Annabel MacLennan, Coisir Og a' Bhac.

C41 (9-10)
1. Isabelle Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac.
2. Alannah R Pheutan, Bunsgoil Phort Righ.
3. (equal) Otto Petersen, Meadowburn Primary, and Zoe Leckie, Meadowburn Primary.

C21A (7-8)
1. (equal) Mairi MacLennan, Coisir Og a' Bhac, and Catriona Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac.
3. Sharyn Ferguson, Sgoil a' Bhac.

C106 Bible Reading (13-15)
1. Calum MacLeod, Edinburgh.
2. Ruairidh Alastair MacIllFhinnein, Ardsgoil Chnoc na Pairce.
3. Mairi Chaimbeul, Sgoil-Chiuil Naomh Moire.


C43A (11-12)
1. Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul, Sgoil-Chiuil Naomh Moire.
2. Cailean MacIllFhinnein, Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.
3. Jonathan MacDhomhnaill, Bunsgoil Stafainn.

C43 (9-10)
1. Isabelle Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac.
2. Eilidh NicCarmaig, Bunsgoil Phort Righ.
3. Domhnaill Alasdair MacDhomhnaill, Bunsgoil Stafainn.

C139 Folk Tale (16-18)
1. Catriona Cochrane, Forfar Academy.

C89 (13-15)
1. Megan McGrath, Sgoil Lionacleit.
2. Kim NicDhomhnaill, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.
3. Eilidh Munro, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir.

C39A (11-12)
1. Lisa-Marie Parkinson, St Columba's Primary.
2. Cailean MacIllFhinnein, Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.
3. Ruairidh MacCarmaig, Ardsgoil Phort Righ.

C39 (9-10)
1. Sean M Brady, Sgoil Chairinis.
2. Kirsten MacLean, Comunn Gaidhealach Mhuile.
3. Fraser Munro, Meadowburn Primary.

VOCAL SOLOS (FLUENT SPEAKERS)
C95 Girls (13-15) (An Comunn Gaidhealach Silver Medal)
1. Catherine Tinney, Ardsgoil Phort Righ.
2. Erin McHale, Ardsgoil Loch Abair.
3. Mairi Chaimbeul, Sgoil-Chiuil Naomh Moire.

C44A (11-12)
1. Jayne Morrison, Sir E Scott.
2. Saffron Hanvidge, Inverness.
3. Ishbal MacLennan, Meadowburn Primary.

C44 (9-10) (Nancy Craik Memorial Trophy)
1. Eilidh NicCarmaig, Bunsgoil Phort Righ.
2. Isabelle Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac.
3. (equal) Hannah Hassan, Bunsgoil Crois na Cise, and Catriona Campbell, Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu.

C96 Boys (13-15) (An Comunn Gaidhealach Silver Medal)
1. Ruairidh Alastair MacIllFhinnein, Ardsgoil Chnoc na Pairce.
2. Nathan Johnston, Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir.
3. Ruairidh MacLean, Lochbroom.

C45 (9-10) (Roy Wentworth Gold Medal)
1. Sim MacDhomhnaill, Bunsgoil Crois na Cise.
2. Fraser Munro, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir.
3. Eoghann Peutan, Bunsgoil Cnoc na Creige.

C23 Boys and Girls (5-6)
1. Peigi NicBhiocair, Bunsgoil Phort Riagh.
2. Mairi Callan, Fernhill School.
3. Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul, Bunsgoil Shleite.

C23A (7-8)
1. Brighde Chaimbeul, Bunsgoil Shleite.
2. Mairi MacLennan, Coisir Og a' Bhac.
3. Micheal Callan, Fernhill School.

Daisy Scott Memorial Award (C23, C44 and C45) - Eilidh NicCarmaig, Bunsgoil Phort Righ.

C145 Traditional: Girls (16-18) (Hugh and Rachel Morrison Taylor Trophy)
1. Alison Buchanan, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir.
2. Grace NicDhomhnaill, Ardsgoil Phort Righ.
3. (equal) Emma MacInnes, Ardsgoil a' Phluic, and Charlotte Campbell, Sgoil MhicNeacail.

C94 Boys and girls (13-15) (Ann Kelly MacDonald Memorial Trophy)
1. Joanne Nicolson, Sgoil MhicNeacail.
2. Erin McHale, Ardsgoil Loch Abair.
3. Mairi Chaimbeul, Sgoil-Chiuil Naomh Moire.

VOCAL SOLOS (FLUENT and LEARNERS)
C155 Girls (16-18)
1. Alison Campbell, Park Mains High School.
2. Alison Buchanan, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir.
3. Donna MacSween, Sir E Scott.

C156 Boys (16-18)
1. Colin George Morrison, Sgoil MhicNeacail.
2. Somerled Smith.

Turriff Trophy for Gaelic (C155 and C156) - Colin George Morrison, Sgoil MhicNeacail.

Meryl Mae Stewart Memorial Trophy for music (C155 and C156) - Alison Campbell, Park Mains High School.

C171B Precenting a Psalm (Under 19) (Allan C. MacLeod Memorial Trophy)
1. Amanda MacAskill, Sgoil MhicNeacail.
2. Colin George Morrison, Sgoil MhicNeacail.
3. Innes MacSween, Sgoil MhicNeacail.

C171A (Under 13) (Jonathan MacDonald, Kilmuir, Trophy)
1. Catherine MacLeod, Sir E Scott.
2. Katy Graham, Coisir Og a' Bhac.
3. Lauren NicFhearghais, Bunsgoil Phort Righ.

DUETS (FLUENT SPEAKERS)
C74 (under 13)
1. Mairead MacLeod & Hannah Hassan, Bunsgoil Crois na Cise.
2. Catherine MacLeod & Jayne Morrison, Sir E Scott.
3. (equal) Calum Munro & Fraser Munro, Meadowburn Primary, and Iona MacDonald & Eilidh MacDonald, Sir E Scott.

FOLK GROUPS
C172 (under 19) (Allan Thomas Mitchell Trophy)
1. Stoirm Chiuil.
2. Caraidean.
3. Ardsgoil Phort Righ.

ORAL (FLUENT SPEAKERS)
C91 Storytelling (13-15)
1. Megan McGrath, Sgoil Lionacleit.
2. Eilidh Munro, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir.

C41 (9-10)
1. Isabelle Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac.
2. Alannah R Pheutan, Bunsgoil Phort Righ.
3. (equal) Otto Petersen, Meadowburn Primary, and Zoe Leckie, Meadowburn Primary.

CHORAL (FLUENT SPEAKERS)
C111 Two-part Harmony (13-18) ('Oban Times' Challenge Trophy)
1. Sgoil MhicNeacail.
2. Sir E Scott School.

Mrs Hobbs Cup for Gaelic - Sgoil MhicNeacail.

C72 (under 13) (Mrs Ann Grant of Laggan Memorial Trophy)
1. Sir E Scott School.
2. Coisir Og a' Bhac.
3. Coisir Bunsgoil Crois na Cise.

C112 Port-a-Beul (13-18) (Belle Campbell Trophy)
1. Sir E Scott School.
2. Sgoil MhicNeacail.

C73 (under 13) (Mrs Schroder Cup)
1. Sir E Scott School.
2. Coisir Og a' Bhac.
3. Bunsgoil Phort Rìgh.

C110 Unison (13-18) (Mrs Campbell Blair Trophy)
1. Sgoil MhicNeacail.
2. Sir E Scott School.

Angus M. Ross Trophy for Gaelic - Sgoil MhicNeacail.

Rev Archie M. Beaton Trophy (C110, C111 and C112) - Sgoil MhicNeacail.

Donald Morrison Memorial Award (C110, C111 and C112) - Sgoil MhicNeacail.

C71 (under 13) (Aberfoyle and District Branch Trophy)
1. Sir E Scott School.
2. Coisir Og a' Bhac.
3. Coisir Bunsgoil Crois na Cise.

Donald Morrison Memorial Award (C71, C72 and C73) - Sir E Scott School.

VOCAL SOLOS (FLUENT SPEAKERS)
C146 Traditional: Boys (16-18) (Neil MacLaine Cameron Memorial Trophy)
1. Colin George Morrison, Sgoil MhicNeacail.
2. Somerled Smith.

VOCAL SOLOS (FLUENT and LEARNERS)
C177 Previous Prizewinners (Skelmorlie and District Highland Association Quaich)
1. Joanne Nicolson, Sgoil MhicNeacail.
2. Amanda MacAskill, Sgoil MhicNeacail.
3. Alison Campbell, Park Mains High School.

DUETS (FLUENT SPEAKERS)
C144 (16-18)
1. Eilidh C MacLennan & Charlotte Campbell, Isle of Lewis.
2. Donna MacSween & Mairi MacSween, Sir E Scott.

ACTION SONG
C170b (under 18) (Shiant Shield)
1. Ardsgoil Phort Rìgh.
2. Cruach Mhoine.

C87B (under 13)
1. Bunsgoil Phort Righ.
2. Bunsgoil Thaigh a' Chladaich Junior.
3. Lochfyneside Junior Gaelic Choir.

DRAMA
C170a (under 19) (John N. Anderson Memorial Trophy)
1. Ardsgoil Phort Rìgh.

C87a (under 13) (Donald MacDonald Memorial Trophy)
1. Bunsgoil Phort Righ.
2. Bunsgoil Thaigh a' Chladaich Senior.
3. (equal) Bunsgoil Thaigh a' Chladaich Junior and Bunsgoil Crois na Cise.

Late results from Monday

:
ORAL (LEARNERS)
C150

Poetry Recitation (16-18)
1. Anne Marie NicRath, Ardsgoil Phort Rìgh.
2. Alana Elliot, Breadalbane Academy.
3. Ashley Fraser Hyslop, Isle of Islay.

C100 (13-15)
1. Rhona Gillies, Isle of Islay.
2. Jennifer Whytock, Sgoil MhicNeacail.