Mod's Irish visitors foster links within 'big Gaelic family'

As the Royal National Mod got into full swing, a delegation of Irish visitors used the opportunity to promote the cultural affinity that exists between the two countries.

The group of 20 were given an invitation to attend the Mod in recognition of their role in helping to stage the Irish equivalent of the festival, the Oireachtas.

Daithi de Mordha, who helped organise the trip on behalf of the Irish, said: "The biggest reason we came was to foster the cultural links between Scotland and Ireland because the Gaelic people in Ireland and Scotland are all just one big family.

"I think we're more similar than any two people on the face of the earth.

"The Mod and the Oireachtas is the best opportunity to show similarities in our cultures and, in fact, because of the obvious affinity, events like these can hold the key to bringing the two cultures closer together. The biggest link of all is the language. We share a language and a culture."

The weekend saw the conclusion of the piping, fiddle and accordion competitions with Stuart Liddell from Argyll winning the main piping prize for adults.

MOD RESULTS - SATURDAY

PIPING - Piobaireachhd, James R. Johnston Memorial Quaich 1. Stuart W Liddell, Argyll. 2. John Angus Smith, Middlesex. 3. Simon McKerrell, Alexandria.

MARCH - Strathspey and Reel, John T. MacRae Cup 1. Simon McKerrell, Alexandria. 2. Stuart W Liddell, Argyll. 3. John Angus Smith, Middlesex. Sheelah J. Nicol Memorial Trophy Stuart W Liddell, Argyll. Royal Highland Fusiliers Cup 1. James D MacKenzie, Sgoil Mhicneacail. 2. Calum MacColl, Lochaber High School. 3. Fraser S Wylie, Argyll. Roderick Munro Trophy 1. Fiona Mitchell, Campbeltown Grammar. 2. Jonathan Graham, Bishopbriggs High. 3. William S Brown, Invergordon Academy. Strathspey and Reel 1. Jonathan Graham, Bishopbriggs High. 2. Fiona Mitchell, Campbeltown Grammar. 3. Seonaidh MacIntyre. Roderick Ross Memorial Trophy 1. Elizabeth MacDonald, Paible. 2. Caj Volbeda, Paible. 3. Joe MacNeil, Sgoil Lionacleit.

CHANTER - Under 13 1. Ruairidh Morrison, Bun Sgoil Ghidhlig Ghlaschu. 2. Ann MacLeod, Lochmaddy. 3. Donald Morrison, Sgoil Chairinish.

SOLO FIDDLE - Sutherland Cup 1. Judie Morrison, Isle of Lewis. 2. Derek Zuckert, Edinburgh. Robert McCallum Memorial Trophy 1. Calum Zuckert, Craigmount High. 2. Lynsey MacRitchie, Sgoil Mhicneacail. 3. Rachel Reid, Tain Royal Academy. Under 13 1. Ewan Zuckert, Craigmount High. 2. Miri Chaimbeul, An t-Eilean Sgitheanach. 3. Miri Latham, Sir E Scott School.

FIDDLE GROUPS - Dr and Mrs Atholl Robertson, Oban, Trophy 1. Not So. 2. Fiddle On. Under 13 1. Furry Aliens. 2. Young Musicians Hebrides. Under 18 1. Fiddlesticks. 2. Clann Tr an Erna.

ACCORDION - March, Strathspey and Reel 1. Nicola M Morrison, Isle of Lewis. 2. Iain Angus MacLeod, Isle of Harris. 3. Iain Cameron, Glenelg. Under 18 1. Iain Angus MacLeod, Sir E Scott School. 2. Anna Fraser, Isle of Lewis. 3. Stuart Taylor, Sgoil Mhicneacail. Daniel G. R. Burt Memorial Trophy 1. Iain Mac a' Ghobhainn, Ard Sgoil Thiriodh. 2. Alison A MacLeod, Laxdale Primary School. 3. Steven Barclay, Bun Sgoil Phort Rgh.

MELODEON - Hebrides Haulage Trophy 1. Emily Campbell, Sgoil a' Bhac. 2. Anne-Louise Stewart, Sgoil a' Bhac. 3. Iain M Mac a' Mhaoilean, Sgoil Shiaboist. Under 13 1. Caitlyn Nicolson. 2. Fiona M MacKay, Cisir Og a' Bhac. 3. Ruairidh MacKinnon, Sgoil Phabail.

PIANO - Jenny M B Currie Kilt Pin 1. Miri Chaimbeul, An t-Eilean Sgitheanach. 2. Ceit Hepburn, Cisir Og a' Bhac. 3. Christina L NicLeid, Eilean Ledhais. Margaret Hill-Boyle Memorial Trophy 1. Calum Zuckert, Craigmount High. 2. Lynsey MacRitchie, Sgoil Mhicneacail. 3. Annette Martin, Sgoil Mhicneacail.

KEYBOARD - 13-18 1. Miri MacDonald, Sgoil Mhicneacail. 2. Anne-Louise Stewart, Sgoil a' Bhac. 3. (equal) Fiona MacKenzie, Sgoil Mhicneacail, and Alanna McCuaig, Sgoil Mhicneacail. Under 13 1. Dmhnall Iain Ros, Bun Sgoil na h-Airde. 2. Christina L NicLeid, Eilean Ledhais. 3. Marion MacLennan, Sgoil Mhicneacail.