​Traditional Gold Medal and Rural Choir champions revealed at the prestigious Gaelic event

Lochaber was alive with the sound of Gaelic song last night as two vocalists were crowned winners of the prestigious Traditional Gold Medal competition at the Royal National Mòd, etching their names in the history books.

It was Màiri Callan from Coatbridge who was crowned victor in the ladies competition, having won the Gold Medal in Inverness in 2021. In the mens, it was third time lucky for Duncan MacLeod from Bonar Bridge in Sutherland who came out on top having previously placed third and second.

Men’s Traditional Gold Medallist Duncan MacLeod said: “I really enjoyed the competition - getting the Traditional Gold Medal has been my longest goal and something I’ve always wanted to achieve. I was five or six years old when I first competed at a Mòd in Dunoon and ever since I’ve wanted to win the Gold Medal. My parents were very keen that we used our Gaelic outside of school and singing has helped me keep up and improve my Gaelic. I’m glad I went to the effort to compete again and trusted myself, I’m feeling really proud.”

Ladies’ Traditional Gold Medallist Màiri Callan said: “I’m really happy – I just did not expect to win at all. I would like to say thank you to Kenna Campbell and Ishbel T for helping me over the years and my mum and good friend Màiri C MacLean from Barra for encouraging me to keep singing. Singing in Gaelic is my culture, it’s part of my heritage and I’m very proud of that. I hope to encourage other young people to sing as well, particularly the big songs. Having the two Gold Medals now feels unbelievable. I’ve not sung in the traditional style since I was 15, so to strip back to the Seann Nòs style, it was quite challenging. But, well, I think I’ve done it!”

Rural Choirs from across Scotland also went head to head, with hundreds gathering in the Highlands to compete. The hotly contested Lorn Shield was lifted by Barra Gaelic Choir, while Islay Gaelic Choir won the sought-after Sheriff MacMaster Campbell Memorial Quaich.

John Joe MacNeil, Conductor of Barra Gaelic Choir, said: “We’re absolutely delighted. It’s a really special moment for us because Gruagach òg an Fhuilt Bhàin, which was our own choice, is a really special song to us. It’s a song written about a woman from Barra, so we’ve grown up listening to it and it just means so much. There was a lot of excitement and a lot of tears shed from the choir on winning this year – it’s an unreal and special feeling, I would describe it as electric. Everyone’s absolutely delighted and everyone’s worked so hard for months and months. It’s been lovely for all that to come together in the way that we wanted – we’re just overjoyed.”

Libby Shaw, Gaelic Reader of Islay Gaelic Choir, said: “The choir is feeling ecstatic! It was a strong competition, it really was, and although we knew we had sung well – it’s not finished until the results are read out. It means so much to win at the Rural Choirs, because we’ve worked all year for it. We started in January and have been working right through once a week to get it to perfection. We’re representing our island so that means a lot to people.”

The world’s biggest Gaelic event reaches a crescendo today with the Combined Areas Choirs’ Competition. The sought-after Lovat & Tullibardine shield and Margrat Duncan trophy are up for grabs, with choirs from across the UK, including Glasgow, Aberdeen, London, Skye and beyond, set to put their best vocals and musical arrangements forward at the Nevis Centre across the day.

The fierce competition will be followed by An Dannsa Mòr (The Big Dance) with Hebridean trad band Beinn Lee. This final fling at the Nevis Centre will give attendees the chance to hit the floor for a lively cèilidh, ending the week in true Highland style, while Fort William pubs continue to be bursting with live sessions as the Mòd spirit ramps up into the weekend.

Artists inspired by the culture and landscape of the Gaeldom will also be celebrated this afternoon with the unveiling of the Highland Art Prize winner at a ceremony at McCallum Art House. Judges Beth Robertson Fiddes and Donnie Munro, both accomplished artists in their own rights, selected 12 artworks from more than 70 on show from across the Highlands and Islands.

Peigi MacLennan, incoming Interim Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Friday marks the penultimate day of the Mòd and wall-to-wall events celebrating everything from art, music and drama to sport, storytelling, cèilidh dancing and learning – a true showcase of Gaelic culture at its finest.

“The Traditional Gold Medal final, always a jewel in the Mòd’s crown, alongside the Lorn Shield and the Sheriff MacMaster Campbell Memorial Quaich exceeded all expectations, and the winners should take immense pride in their achievements. They now join the ranks of Gaelic song’s most cherished torchbearers.

“The joy and energy the choirs bring to the Mòd is unparalleled, capturing the spirit of camaraderie that defines the event so beautifully. I hope this year’s event closes out in special fashion for all involved.”

The Lochaber Mòd 2025 draws to a close tomorrow with the spectacular Massed Choirs event, where hundreds of choir members’ voices will join in unison at Cameron Square for a goosebump-inducing performance to mark the end of the remarkable festival.

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.