National Mod set to be a humdinger, says Falkirk host
rally gets event off to flying start
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INSTRUMENTAL winners from the first day of competition at the Royal National Mod in Falkirk joined a specially formed fiddle orchestra from central Scotland in the town hall on Saturday night for a fiddlers' rally.
And as fear an taighe (master of ceremonies) John Carmichael of Islay said: “If this gives us an idea of the calibre we can expect for the rest of the week, we're in for a humdinger of a Mod.”
Opening the entertainment was Rona Nicholson, 9, from Portree, the under-13s chanter champion. Guest artist for the evening was Sheena Walker from nearby Camelon, winner of the Gold Medal at the Mod in Motherwell 25 years ago.
Welcoming piping champion Pipe Major Gordon Walker of Ayrshire to the stage, Mr Carmichael said: “The piping competitions at the Mod traditionally attract the creme de la creme. It is a great pleasure to introduce one of the finest pipers that Scotland has ever produced.”
Mr Walker performed several tunes, including his own composition, Fiddlers' Rally. Speaking earlier, the pipe major said it felt “fantastic" to win at the Mod, “especially in the run-up to the Glenfiddich Piping Championships at Blair Castle".
Yesterday, Councillor Angus MacDonald, convener of the local committee, said: “We have had a really successful Mod so far. We had a fantastic opening ceremony on Friday with the first minister announcing an extra £2.7million for Gaelic education.
“He also announced that Falkirk has secured Fair Trade status for the whole council area, making this the first Fair Trade Mod.”
A Mod football match between Stenhousemuir and Glasgow Island at Ochilview, Stenhousemuir, on Saturday ended with the Glasgow Islanders winning 2-1.
Waterlogged
Unfortunately, the Mod shinty cup final due to take place in Grangemouth on Saturday between Aberdour and Glasgow Mid Argyll had to be cancelled after heavy rain on Friday left the Little Kerse pitch at Grangemouth waterlogged. It is hoped the game can be rescheduled for this Saturday.
A special ecumenical Gaelic church service took place in St Andrew's West Church, Falkirk, yesterday.
Junior competitions take place today, to include drama, poetry, conversation, and solo, choral and duet singing. The prizewinners’ concert will take place in Falkirk Town Hall at 7.30pm.
