Mòd: A little Gaelic and a lot of fun
Sam Plestid, Cairistiona Waugh, Olga Waugh, Randy Waugh, Gail Thorpe, and Holly MacDonald
By Randy Waugh
Scotland’s premiere celebration of Gaelic language, culture and heritage – known as the Mòd - took place in Oban, Scotland in mid-October.
Among the thousands of attendees who came to compete and to just enjoy Scotland’s premiere celebration of Gaelic language, culture and heritage was a small contingent from Ottawa. It was led by Randy Waugh, SSO’s Gaelic teacher, and some of his former students, including Holly MacDonald and Gail Thorpe. (Note: The SSO offers 6-week online courses with Randy at various levels throughout the year).
In the next few paragraphs, Randy describes their unforgettable experience.
What made the Royal National Mòd so special this year was that it was held in Oban, the birthplace of the first Mòd in 1892.
Mòds, loosely translated as assemblies, are held in a different city each year. It is the penultimate Scottish Gaelic competition and is the finale that follows several annual provincial Mòds. This year saw about 10,000 attendees, up about 20% from last year, and it is estimated that it will have generated more than £2 million for the local economy.
Our group enjoyed a packed week - overflowing with a rich blend of music, singing, Gaelic drama, and side trips around Oban and to the nearby islands of Mull and Iona.
I was also interviewed by Coinneach Mac a’ Ghobhain on BBC Rèidio nan Gaidheal’s Naoi gu Deich: Naoi gu Deich - le Cathy NicDhòmhnaill - BBC Sounds.
While others later headed home, my family and I had the opportunity to visit my ancestral home, the island of Islay where we had a week steeped in nature walks, visiting historical sites (Finlaggan, Kildalton, Gardnatra), and Portnahaven and Orsay - the setting of Evening Song, my second novel - and Bowmore and Gartnatra, the setting of The Piper’s Lullaby which is my novel in progress. We also had wonderful visits with Sìne NicEalair and others at the Islay Gaelic Centre.
With special thanks to those came along for the adventure, and to Ronnie Campbell, an Islay native (Ballygrant) and member of OTTSCOT for his guidance and networking and to those we met along the way.
This was a trip to our origins that we’ll nae forget. Oh and Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig! (Up with Gaelic!).
