THE Royal National Mòd has awarded two of the top prizes for Gaelic song at this year's festival.
The gold medal women’s prize was won by Alice MacMillan, while the men’s prize was taken by Ryan Johnston.
Gaelic song and musical tradition was honoured throughout the evening as select male and female vocalists took to the stage to sing one prescribed song and one piece of their own choosing in a bid to win over the panel of judges.
Lewis singer MacMillan, who hails from a family of Gaelic singers, now has two titles to her name having taken the Traditional Gold Medal at the Perth Mòd two years ago.
Johnston set his sights on representing his home island of Islay and took the win after a seven year hiatus from solo singing at the Mòd.
MacMillan said: “I'm so, so happy to have won the gold medal – and I’m even happier that my family were here from Lewis to see me go for it, that means a lot to me. Both songs that I chose were ones I liked and I wanted something that was fun for me to sing.
"It's easier to perform at your best when you enjoy the song. Oban has been brilliant and I really liked the hall – it was lovely to perform here. Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig!”
Johnston said: “It’s unbelievable to be taking the gold medal home with me. It’s a fantastic feeling to be representing Islay as well at the Mòd this year, especially with it being in Oban. I've been preparing for a few months now and it’s been a lot of fine tuning the singing and the songs. The Mòd means a lot to me.
"I've been singing here since I was five years old so it's brilliant to come back as an adult and step back out onto a stage like this. My family have been so involved in Gaelic music and choral singing for so long so it's great to just be able to give this back to Islay.”
Thursday saw the popular Traditional Gold Medal final where solo singers perform two songs of their own choice in front of a packed Corran Halls audience with thousands expected to watch at home on BBC ALBA.
James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The Gaeldom has come to Oban this week and the calibre of musicality, passion for the language and sheer vocal talent on display is truly inspiring to see. Our competition winners represent the very best of our culture and all the competitors have done themselves proud this week.
“Oban is bustling with activity and is only set to get busier as we welcome hundreds of Gaelic choir members to the festivities for two days of stiff competition. Whether an open mic night or a book launch is up your street, the fringe programme is teeming with events for visitors to enjoy and we’re looking forward to the final few days of this proud cultural spectacular.”
Ealasaid MacDonald, ceannard (CEO) Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “The level of enthusiasm and talent displayed by everyone taking part in competitions this week has been remarkable, and it has been a fabulous display of participation in Gaelic culture and of community.
"Bòrd na Gàidhlig would like to warmly congratulate everyone who has collected awards as part of this year’s Mòd competitions, particularly Alice MacMillan and Ryan Johnston, our gold medal winners.”
