As The Royal National Mòd 2024 continued in Oban yesterday (Monday October 14) with a host of activities and competitions primarily for young people and learners, there was great success for the Isle of Barra. 

Barra band Ceòl a’ Chaisteil, from Castlebay Community School, took the winning title in the Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of the Bands) Under 13s competition, taking the top spot in a fiercely fought competition.

And Robbie Donald MacIllEathain, aged 13, from Castlebay Community in School won the boys trophy and the Alexander Hamilton Trophy for the highest mark in Gaelic in the James C McPhee Memorial Medal competition yesterday.

Maggie Cunningham, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Today shines a light on young people at the Mòd and celebrates their importance to the preservation and future of traditional Gaelic culture. From the youth singing competitions to the Battle of the Bands, and with a number of fringe events aimed at young Gaelic speakers and learners, emerging and young voices are at the heart of today’s programme. It’s fantastic to see young locals and visitors getting involved and making the most of everything the Mòd has to offer them.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, Bid4Oban, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd runs in Oban until Saturday 19 October. Tickets for select events are on sale at https://ancomunn.eventbrite.co.uk/.