Royal National Mòd News

Gaels go for gold at Royal National Mòd

Published: 16 Oct 2025

The world’s finest Gaelic singers have begun going for gold at the Royal National Mòd in Lochaber as the prestigious event hits the seven day mark.

Caitlyn Yule and Finlay John Morse were rewarded for their outstanding vocal efforts as they won the esteemed Gold Medal last night at the premier Gaelic cultural event. The historic singing competition, which has been running for 133 years, sees shortlisted singers aim to score highest for their morning and evening performances.

Caitlyn Yule, who is from Cumbernauld and now lives in Glasgow and Aberdeen’s Finlay John Morse, beat off competition from vocalists from Lewis, Oban, Inverness, Fort William and elsewhere, to impress the judges.

Women’s Gold Medallist Caitlyn Yule said: “This is my first adult competition at the Mòd, I did kids competitions last year so this was totally different. I just wanted to do my best - when the results were being read out I thought: wait a minute! It just feels surreal. Being from a background where I didn’t have Gaelic, to be able to get to such a stage where I’m able to compete in the Gold Medal competition and do well in it, just means a lot. I’ve had so much help over the years to get to this point, like my teacher Mary McLean, who’s helped me through absolutely everything since I was six years old. I just feel grateful to everyone who has helped me to get to where I am now.”

Men’s Gold Medallist Finlay John Morse said: “Honestly, I have no words to describe how I feel after winning. It’s been a lot of hard work, balancing conducting Aberdeen Choir and learning my pieces for the Gold Medal. I really just want to see a massive thanks to Riona Whyte and Alasdair for their help, and to my mentor growing up, Kerrie Kennedy. To win this means to join some fantastic singers who’ve won it before and keep our heritage and our culture alive. It’s an absolute honour to be able to sing some of these songs on the stage and just portray the message of the bàrdachd.”

The Highland town also hosted the Silver Pendant – the equivalent competition for learners in the afternoon. Talented singers triumphed, with Islay’s Lewis Davey scooping the men’s and Aberdeen’s Ruth Hunter taking the ladies title. Lewis also won a clutch of silverware, bagging the Alasdair MacInnes Memorial Trophy, Morag Robb Memorial Salver and the John A MacRae Quaich.

In the Mòd Drama Final, Sgioba Dràma Uibhist (Uist Drama Group) took the Premier Award, the West Highland Free Press Quaich, for their stand-out performance.

The spotlight now shifts to tonight’s Traditional Gold Medal final, where solo singers will showcase their talent with two songs of their choosing. Battling it out for the coveted title, competitors aim to etch their names into history. The event will unfold before a full house at the Nevis Centre and live on BBC ALBA.

Today, hundreds of singers will also unite for the Combined Rural Choirs’ Competitions, vying for the prestigious Lorn Shield and the Sheriff MacMaster Campbell Memorial Quaich. 13 vocal groups from across Scotland are set to compete for glory.

Highland dancers will also face off today, while the best in Gaelic business will be recognised at the Cruinn Còmhla business event. Business figures will have a chance to explore new opportunities in the West Highlands and winners of HIE’s inaugural Cruthachadh Chothroman Business Accelerator programme will be presented with their awards. The scheme aimed to kickstart Gaelic-related businesses to do more to incorporate Gaelic into their ventures.

The fringe programme sees the ALBA FA Youth Football Camp get underway, and an open music session and a whisky tasting night pop up in Fort William. Every pub on Fort William’s high street is also staging its own live music sessions across the week, embracing the Mòd’s arrival in the town.

Taste of Lochaber will celebrate the region’s incredible food, drink and handmade produce, with everything From traditional bakes to Highland spirits available to sample, and Cameron Square will host BBC ALBA stars, Peter MacQueen and Mary Ann Kennedy for Còcaireachd, Cuileanan, Craic is Cèilidh. The pair will be cooking up irresistible treats inspired by nature’s bounty, accompanied by stories, craic and live music.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Lochaber has welcomed the Gaeldom with open arms this week and at the heart of it all has been extraordinary musical talent and a deep passion for the Gaelic language. This year’s Gold Medal and Silver Pendant winners’ remarkable vocal performances were nothing short of inspiring – thanks to all our competitors for showcasing their love of the language and musical tradition in such spectacular style.

“Lochaber is buzzing with excitement and will only grow livelier as we welcome hundreds of Gaelic choir members for two thrilling days of competition. The fringe programme is also thriving, with activities to suit every taste. We’re excited to celebrate the final days of this proud cultural showcase.”

This year’s event is supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highland Council, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd takes place in Lochaber until 18 October 2025. Tickets for flagship events are available at https://buytickets.at/ancomunn.

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