Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2021 a’ fosgladh ann an Inbhir Nis agus Tosgaire ùr na Gàidhlig ga ainmeachadh
An tachartas cliùiteach nàiseanta a’ tilleadh gu fàilte bhlàth an dèidh bliadhna às aonais
Tha fiughair mhòr ga dhèanamh ri fosgladh a’ Mhòìd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a-nochd ann an Inbhir Nis, le measgachadh farsaing de choileanaidhean eireachdail is ghnìomhachdan cultarach deiseil airson a dhol air àrd-ùrlar.
An dèidh bliadhna às aonais a’ Mhòid mar thoradh air a’ ghalar-sgaoilte, chì an ath ochd latha an tachartas a’ tarraing dhaoine le meas air ceòl agus cultar na Gàidhlig còmhla uair eile gus luaidh a dhèanamh air cànan, eachdraidh agus àm teachdail nan Gàidheal.
Gus fosgladh a’ Mhòid shònraichte seo a chomharrachadh, tha luchd-eagrachaidh a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich air Tosgaire Gàidhlig na Bliadhna ainmeachadh. Tha an t-urram seo bho Riaghaltas na h-Alba ga bhuileachadh am-bliadhna air Agnes Rennie – neach a tha ainmeil ann am foillseachadh Gàidhlig agus leasachadh coimhearsnachd.
Agnes Rennie - Tosgaire na Gàidhlig
Tha a’ Bh-uas Rennie, a rugadh is thogadh ann an eilean Leòdhais, air a bhith gnìomhach taobh a-staigh cultar na Gàidhlig bho na 70an agus tha i nas aithnichte buileach airson a h-obrach cudromaich mar mhanaidsear a’ bhuidhinn foillseachaidh Gàidhlig, Acair.
Is ise an 14mh neach a tha air an duais chliùiteach bhliadhnail seo a chosnadh, aig a bheil taic bho Riaghaltas na h-Alba gus aithne a thoirt do ghnìomhan sònraichte an lùib cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig.
Thuirt Agnes Rennie: “’S e urram a bh’ ann dhomh a bhith ag obair le sgrìobhadairean agus a bhith com-pàirteach anns an draoidheachd a tha a’ cruthachadh leabhraichean brèagha, gu h-àraid leabhraichean chloinne. B’ e a’ Ghàidhlig mo chànan màthaireil agus tha sin air leantainn mar an t-snàithlean a tha a’ ruith tron mhòr-chuid de na nithean a tha mi air a dhèanamh fad mo bheatha. Tha mi cho toilichte gu bheil an dreuchd shònraichte seo agam mu choinneamh na bliadhna a tha ri teachd.”
Bidh prògram aighearach a’ Mhòid làn de ghnìomhaidhean is fharpaisean a’ tòiseachadh le cuirm-chiùil speisealta ann an Cùirt Eden air an fheasgar seo, le gnìomhaidhean bho air feadh na Gàidhealtachd, a’ riochdachadh tilleadh faireachdainneil gu ceòl beò do mhòran luchd-ealain agus luchd-leantainn.
A’ nochdadh ceòl bhon chòmhlan ùr Staran à Glaschu, Còmhlan-ciùil ainmeil Ghleann Fhionnainn agus an seinneadair Gàidhlig Maighread Stiùbhart, tha am feasgar a’ gealltainn a bhith cuimhneachail agus gach neach an làthair a’ togail an guth.
Fad nan ochd làithean às dèidh sin, bidh an fhèis a’ co-mheasgachadh fharpaisean aghaidh-ri-aghaidh agus cuirmean-ciùil, a thuilleadh air clàr farsaing de ghnìomhaidhean air-loidhne a bhios air an craobh-sgaoileadh tron t-seachdain.
Am measg nan àrd-phuingean bidh farpais chrìochnachaidh Bonn Òir a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich air Diciadain 13 Dàmhair agus farpais chrìochnachaidh Bonn Òir an t-Seann Nòis air Diardaoin 14 Dàmhair, agus co-chruinneachadh nan còisirean Gàidhlig ann am Pàirc an Northern Meeting air Disathairne 16 Dàmhair.
A thuilleadh air na farpaisean, tha prògram saidhbhir de thachartasan a’ dol air iomall a’ Mhòid, a tha a’ tabhann ceòl beò aig ionad-cruinneachaidh Chùirt Eden a-muigh gach feasgar.
Thuirt Seumas Greumach, Àrd-Oifigear a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: “Tha e mìorbhaileach a bhith comasach air fàilte air ais a chur air luchd-èisteachd agus luchd-gnìomhaidh le chèile chun a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail ann an Inbhir Nis. Tha eachdraidh saidhbhir fad 129 bliadhna againn agus bha ionndrainn mhòr air an tachartas an-uiridh – mar sin, tha sinn air ar dòigh a bhith a’ faicinn latha an fhosglaidh a’ teannadh oirnn – ’s e mòmaid clach-mhìle a th’ ann dhuinn uile.
“Tha e an-còmhnaidh glè iomchaidh gum bi sinn a’ comharrachadh ar latha fosglaidh, chan ann a-mhàin leis a’ chuirm fhosglaidh mhìorbhaileach againn a-nochd, ach leis an naidheachd gun gabh Agnes Rennie oirre trusgan Tosgaire Gàidhlig na Bliadhna. Chan urrainn dhuinn gu leòr a ràdh mu thabhartas Agnes do ar cànan agus tha i làn airidh air an tiotal.”
Thuirt Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson Cànain, Shirley-Anne Somerville: “Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba dealasach ann a bhith a’ toirt taic don Chomunn Ghàidhealach le lìbhrigeadh a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail. Meal a naidheachd gu Agnes Rennie ’s i a’ faighinn duais Tosgaire Gàidhlig na Bliadhna agus tha mi a’ guidhe seachdain glè shoirbheachail do gach neach a tha an sàs ann am Mòd na bliadhna seo.”
Thuirt an Comhairliche Calum Rothach, Cathraiche Comataidh Ghàidhlig Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd: “An dèidh mhìosan de dhòchas, tha Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd air leth toilichte fàilte a chur mu dheireadh thall air a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2021 a dh’Inbhir Nis. Tha a bhith a’ toirt Mòd nàiseanta gu bith, na thoradh air mìosan agus gu dearbh bliadhnaichean de dh’ullachadh leis a’ chomataidh eagrachaidh ionadail, oifigearan a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich, oifigearan an ùghdarrais aoigheachd ionadail agus oidhirpean saor-thoileach mòran dhaoine eile.
“Bidh am feasgar fosglaidh ann an Cùirt Eden na shubhachas speisealta a bhios air a shruthadh beò mun cuairt an t-saoghail agus tha mi a’ coimhead air adhart ri 8 làithean eile de thachartasan cultarach beòthail, a bheir tlachd dhaibhsan a bhios an làthair ann an Inbhir Nis agus a bhios a’ coimhead aig an taigh. Tha aithne a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich do Agnes Rennie mar Thosgaire Gàidhlig na Bliadhna na urram do a dreuchd ghnìomhaich ann an saoghal na Gàidhlig thairis air grunn dheicheadan de bhliadhnaichean agus tha mi airson mealadh naidheachd bhlàth a chur oirre mar thoradh air an duais.”
Thuirt Shona NicIllinnein, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte taic a chur ris a’ Chomunn Ghàidhealach mar aon de ar com-pàirtichean lìbhrigidh agus a bhith a’ faicinn a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail a’ gabhail àite ann an Inbhir Nis agus air-loidhne. Tha am Mòd a’ comharrachadh cànan agus cultar na Gàidhlig, a tha thairis air na 18 mìosan a dh’fhalbh, air mòran uairean a thìde air-loidhne de thlachd agus sunnd a thoirt tro chèilidhean, cuirmean-ciùil, dràma agus leughaidhean, a thuilleadh air cothroman ionnsachaidh agus an cànan a chleachdadh air feadh an t-saoghail. Tha na chuir Agnes ri beairteas litreachas na Gàidhlig agus a ceannardais ann an leasachadh na Gàidhlig agus seilbh fearainn coimhearsnachd, ga dèanamh glè airidh air an duais.”
Tha am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a’ faotainn taic bho EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, Events Scotland, Riaghaltas na h-Alba, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne agus SQA.
Bidh am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a’ ruith bho an-diugh gu 16 Dàmhair 2021. Thoiribh sùil air a’ phrògram slàn agus ceannaichibh na tiogaidean a-nis aig https://www.ancomunn.co.uk/.
Liostaichean
Tachartasan Iomall a’ Mhòid
Dihaoine 8mh
A’ Chuirm Fhosglaidh, Cùirt Eden, 7.30f, £14/£7 do bhuill a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich.
Disathairne 9mh
Ar Cànan, Ar Ceòl, Cùirt Eden, 7.30f, £14/£7 do bhuill a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich.
Dimàirt 12mh
An Ear, Cùirt Eden agus beò-shruthadh, 7.30f, £14/£7 do bhuill a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich.
Diciadain 13mh
Farpais Chrìochnachaidh a’ Bhuinn Òir, Cùirt Eden agus beò-shruthadh, 7.30f, £14/£7 do bhuill a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich.
Farpais Chrìochnachaidh an Aigeallain Airgid, Cùirt Eden agus beò-shruthadh, 7.30f, £14/£7 do bhuill a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich.
Clàrsach aig a’ Mhòd, 9f, Air-loidhne, 7.30f, £TBC
Diardaoin 14mh
Farpais Chrìochnachaidh an t-Seann Nòis, Cùirt Eden, 7.30f, £14/£7 do bhuill a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich.
Cuirm nan Còisirean, Cùirt Eden, 2f, £14/£7 don Chomunn Ghàidhealach.
Dihaoine 15mh
Cuirm nan Còisirean, Cùirt Eden, 2f, £14/£7 don Chomunn Ghàidhealach.
Disathairne 16mh
Co-chruinneachadh nan Còisirean, Pàirc an Northern Meeting, 10.30m, An-asgaidh
The Royal National Mòd 2021 opens in Inverness as new Gaelic Ambassador is announced
The prestigious national event returns to much fanfare after year hiatus
The Royal National Mòd makes its greatly anticipated opening this evening, with a variety of stunning performances and cultural activities set to get underway in Inverness.
After a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, the coming eight days will see the event bring fans of Gaelic music and culture together once again to celebrate the language, history and future of the Gaels.
To mark the opening of this landmark Mòd, organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach have announced the Gaelic Ambassador of the Year. The annual Scottish Government honour is, this year, being awarded to Agnes Rennie – a prominent figure in Gaelic publishing and community development.
Ms Rennie, who was born and raised on the isle of Lewis, has been an active voice within Gaelic culture since the 70s and is best known for her important work as manager of Gaelic publishing house, Acair.
She is the 14th annual recipient of the prestigious award supported by the Scottish Government to recognise and celebrate special contributions to Gaelic language and culture.
Agnes Rennie said: “It’s been a privilege for me to work with writers and share in the magic that leads to beautiful books, especially children’s books. Gaelic was my first language, and it has continued to be the thread that runs through most of the things I have done in my life. I am so pleased to have this special role for the year ahead.”
The Mòd’s joyous programme of performances and competition will kick off with a special launch concert at Eden Court Theatre this evening featuring performances from across the Gàidhealtachd, representing an emotional return to live music for many fans and performers.
Mòd Opening Day
Featuring music from new Glasgow band Staran, the famous Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band and Gaelic singer, Margaret Stewart, the evening promises to be a star-studded hootenanny with voices to raise the rafters.
Across the following eight days, the festival will combine face-to-face competitions and concerts, as well as a rich schedule of online performances to be broadcast throughout the week.
Highlights include the An Common Gàidhealach Gold Medal final on Wednesday 13th October and the Traditional Gold Medal final on Thursday 14th October, as well as a massed gathering of Gaelic choirs at the Northern Meeting Park on Saturday 16 October,
In addition to the competitions, a rich fringe programme is on offer including live music at Eden Court’s outdoor venue every evening.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “It is fantastic to be able to welcome back audiences and performers alike to The Royal National Mòd in Inverness. We have a rich 129 history and last year’s event was sorely missed so we are delighted to see opening day upon us - it’s a landmark moment for us all.
“It is always very fitting that we should mark our opening day not only with this evening’s fantastic opening concert, but with the news that Agnes Rennie will take on the mantle as Gaelic Ambassador of the Year. Anges’ contribution to our language cannot be overstated and this title is richly deserved.”
Cabinet Secretary for Languages Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting An Comunn Gàidhealach in the delivery of the Royal National Mòd. Congratulations to Agnes Rennie on receiving the Gaelic Ambassador of the Year Award and I wish all those involved in this year’s Mod a very successful week.”
Cllr Calum Munro, Chair of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee said: “After months of anticipation, The Highland Council is delighted to finally welcome The Royal National Mòd 2021 to Inverness. Bringing a national Mòd to fruition is the culmination of months and indeed years of preparation by the local organising committee, An Comunn Gàidhealach officers, officers of the hosting local authority and the efforts of many volunteers too.
“The opening evening in Eden Court on Friday will be a special celebration which will be live-streamed around the world and I look forward to 8 further days of dynamic cultural events which will be enjoyed by those in attendance in Inverness and those watching at home. An Comunn Gàidhealach’s recognition of Agnes Rennie as Gaelic Ambassador of the Year is a recognition of her active role in the Gaelic world over several decades and I warmly congratulate her on this award.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “We are delighted to support An Comunn Gàidhealach as one of our delivery partners and to see The Royal National Mòd taking place in Inverness and online. The Mòd celebrates Gaelic language and culture which, during the last 18 months, has provided many hours of online enjoyment and wellbeing support through cèilidhs, concerts, drama, and readings as well as opportunities to learn and use the language across the world. Agnes’s contribution to the wealth of Gaelic literature and her leadership in Gaelic development and community land ownership makes her a very worthy recipient of this award.”
The Royal National Mòd is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Highland Council, Events Scotland, The Scottish Government, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.
The Royal National Mòd will run from today until 16th October 2021. View the full programme and purchase tickets now at https://www.ancomunn.co.uk/.
Listings
Eden Court Competition Schedule
Mòd Fringe Events
Friday 8th
Opening Concert, Eden Court, 7.30pm, £14/£7 for An Comunn Gàidhealach members
Saturday 9th
Our Language, Our Music, Eden Court, 7.30pm, £14/£7 for An Comunn Gàidhealach members
Tuesday 12th
East, Eden Court and livestream, 7.30pm, £14/£7 for An Comunn Gàidhealach members
Wednesday 13th
Gold Medal Final, Eden Court and livestream, 7.30pm, £14/£7 for An Comunn Gàidhealach members
Silver Pendant Final, Eden Court and livestream, 2.00pm, £14/£7 for An Comunn Gàidhealach members
The Clàrsach at the Mòd, 9pm, Online, 7.30pm, £TBC
Thursday 14th
Traditional Gold Medal Final, Eden Court, 7.30pm, £14/£7 for An Comunn Gàidhealach members
Cuirm nan Còisir, Eden Court, 2pm, £14/£7 for An Comunn Gàidhealach
Friday 15th
Cuirm nan Còisir, Eden Court, 2pm, £14/£7 for An Comunn Gàidhealach
Saturday 16th
Massed Choirs Event, Northern Meeting Park, 10.30am, Free