Showcasing Gaelic voice and verse: Mòd set for thrilling second half

As the Royal National Mòd 2026 in Glasgow enters its second half, the Gaelic honours in voice and verse are coming thick and fast.

Tuesday saw the junior competition programme reach its climax with the fluent learner events. In the Solo Traditional Singing Girls and Boys 13-15 categories, 15-year-old Flora Scott from Sir E Scott School in Harris, collected both the Traditional Silver Pendant and the Ann Kelly MacDonald Memorial Trophy for the highest marks in traditional solo singing. It was a home win for Joe Thunder, aged 15, from Glasgow Gaelic High School who claimed the coveted Traditional Silver Kilt Pin.

In the 13-15 category for Solo Singing Fluent, Rebecca Anne NicDhòmhnaill, aged 14, from Liniclate School in Benbecula won the An Comunn Gàidhealach Silver Pendant, while Seumas MacLeod from Sir E Scott School in Harris took the An Comunn Gàidhealach Silver Kilt Pin.

Chorally, the performances were equally as impressive. In the 13-18 categories, Sir E Scott School from Harris won the Choral Unison Open event, receiving the Mrs Campbell Blair Trophy, along with the Angus M Ross Trophyfor the highest marks in Gaelic, and also came out on top in the Choral Puirt-à-Beul Open 13-18 event, taking the Belle Campbell Trophy back to the Western Isles.

They finished the day with a win in the Choral Harmony Open event to claim The Oban Times Challenge Trophyand Mrs Hobbs of Inverlochy Cup for the highest marks in Gaelic.

Not to be outshone, the U13s delivered some soaring performances of their own. It was Coisir Òg Mhuile (Mull) who took home The Badenoch & Strathspey Area Committee Trophy after winning the Choral Unison Open Under 13 event.

It was back-to-back wins for Còisir na h-Òige BSGI from Inverness were awarded the Aberfoyle & District Branch Trophy for their recital of set song, Eilean mo Ghaoil in the Choral Unison Fluent U13 event. They also lifted the Mrs Schroder Cup for their winning performance in the Choral Puirt-à-Beul Fluent U13competition and finally, took the Mrs Ann Grant of Laggan Memorial for the Choral Harmony Fluent event, along with the Susan Paterson Caledonian MacBrayne Trophy for the highest marks across all categories.

In another firm favourite, the annual Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of the Bands) was also decided yesterday, with Castlebay School in Barra emerging victorious. The eight-strong group, who were supported by teacher Lisa MacNeil, fought off competition to win first place – and with it, the Allan Thomas Mitchell Trophy, the John Robertson Memorial Prize, and a much sought-after recording session at a professional sound studio.

Swapping band rivalry for a rare gathering, An Drochaid (The Bridge) concert was a further highlight of Tuesday evening. Led by the host city’s very own Mary Ann Kennedy, the event at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall brought together singers and musicians from six Glasgow Island Associations: Islay, Lewis & Harris, Mull & Iona, Uist & Barra, Skye and Tiree.

Today sees the focus switch to the adult competition programme, including the Senior Literature Prizegiving. Celebrating Gaelic writing across a range of categories, the awards get underway from 12pm at the City of Glasgow College, attended by sitting Bard Anna C Frater, who embarks on the second year of a three-year term. The prize-giving will be followed at by the Book Launch of Nicolson’s Traditions of Skye by Kenneth MacLean.

Also getting underway this afternoon at the nearby Glasgow Royal Concert Hall will be the keenly awaited adult learner competition, the Silver Pendant, with the ladies performing prescribed song, Ille dhuinn ’s toil leam thu, and the men taking on Caismeachd Chloinn Chamshroin.

The top-tier singing continues at 7.30pm with the An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal Finals, featuring some of the Gaeldom’s leading fluent singers. Audiences can look forward to prescribed song An roghainn in the ladies’ category and ’S gun òlainn slàinte Theàrlaich in the men’s contest.

Moving from singing to stage, the Senior Drama Open will take place from 7pm at Òran Mór in Glasgow’s vibrant west end. Contenders from Glasgow, Inverness, Kilmuir and Islay will vie with last year’s winners Uist in the bid to take home this year’s title.

Complementing the intense competition schedule is another busy day of fringe events. Highlights include the short film Beura, which reimagines the Celtic Goddess of nature, storms, and winter, as well as an intimate Rum, Gin and Whisky Tasting at Bar 442. There’s also a GFT Shorts Programme featuring three films inspired by the lolaire disaster, complete with film-maker introductions and Q&A sessions.

Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Anticipation for today’s flagship singing finals is building, with all eyes on who will win some of our most prestigious and historic contests. Showcasing Gaelic at its very best, it’s the ultimate celebration of our language and culture, and guaranteed to be emotionally charged.

“Beyond the competitions, this year’s local organising committee and volunteers have excelled in delivering a packed line-up of engaging, insightful, and – perhaps most importantly – sociable fringe events, with several days still left to enjoy.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd, which runs in Glasgow until Saturday 17 October 2026, is supported by Glasgow Life, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Scottish Government, VisitScotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and Qualifications Scotland.

For more information and tickets visit https://modghlaschu2026.org.