Dingwall hit the right note to take top Mod choral trophy once again

DINGWALL Gaelic Choir were crowned the toast of this year’s Royal National Mod, the annual showcase of Gaelic music and culture, as they lifted the prestigious Lovat and Tullibardine Shield, the main prize for choral singing.

After once again emerging victors following a close fight with their main rivals, the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association, Dingwall proved they were hard to beat when it comes to the Mod’s flagship competition.

It was the third time in four years the Dingwall group have lifted the glittering shield under the direction of 37-year-old conductor Kirsteen Menzies, a former Gold Medal winner.

Ms Menzies said the song they had as their own choice, Athchuinge – an ancient summoning of the Gods to bless the children of Gaeldom – had a major effect on the choir, as they used it to remember some of their own past members.

“It just seemed to calm the whole choir down and it got us singing,” she said.

With only two points separating them and the Glasgow choir, affectionately known as the “GGs”, Ms Menzies admitted it had been a close-run affair.

“We’re always quite close,” she said. “There’s never much between us.”

Ms Menzies seems to be a fitting successor to her father Hamish, who guided the choir for many years before handing over to his daughter.

But she also lauded the influence of Gaelic tutor Uisdean MacRae, who is originally from the West Coast village of Applecross.

“We certainly couldn’t do what we do without him,” she said.

Gaelic adjudicator Iain MacAulay said: “The Gaelic we heard here today from almost all the choirs was very good and while it is welcome it certainly does make our job much more welcome.”