Mòd gold medalists celebrate Gaelic songs in Glasgow

BBC Gold medallistsBBC
Royal National Mòd gold medallists in Glasgow on Thursday night

More than 70 award-winning singers have gathered in Glasgow for a celebration of Gaelic songs.

The group was made up of Royal National Mòd gold medallists, with the oldest of the singers in their 80s.

Thursday night's event was organised by Ruairidh Gray as part of his fourth year studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

It was held at St Aloysius RC Church.

Emma MacLeod and Isabelle Bain
Emma MacLeod and Isabelle Bain were also among the award-winning singers
Joy Dunlop Joy Dunlop and Eilidh DaviesJoy Dunlop
BBC Scotland's Joy Dunlop and Eilidh Davies were among the gold medallists

Among the singers were BBC Scotland's Joy Dunlop and Eilidh Davies.

Ms Dunlop, a weather presenter who grew up in Connel and won her gold medal in 2010, said: "What a night it was - just phenomenal."

She added: "Winning the gold medal was a huge honour.

"It’s the premier Gaelic singing competition that you can only win once, so achieving this does feel like you’ve done something really important."

Ruairidh Gray
Ruairidh Gray organised the celebration of Gaelic gold medal-winning singers
Ishabel T MacDonald
Gold medallist Ishabel MacDonald
Gold medal singers

News and Sportsound reporter Ms Davies, from Invergarry, won her An Comunn Gaidhealach gold medal in 2012.

She said: “It’s fantastic to be part of such a unique event and to be able to perform with such talented singers and musicians.

“Gaelic singing and music is a real passion of mine so to be able to come together with some of the top singers in the country is quite a privilege.

Ms Davies, whose grandfather was a Gaelic singer, added: “Ruairidh has done an incredible job bringing the whole event together.”

The performances involved groups of medallists singing together, before they all came together to perform the song Oidhche Mhath Leibh.

The Mòd is Scotland's biggest celebration of Gaelic music and culture.

The festival has been held for more than 100 years and this October's event will be held in Oban.