A Thousand Welcomes

A cultural cornerstone of the Gaelic calendar, the Mòd showcases talent across ages and borders

- by COINNEACH MacLEOD

I STILL get butterflies when I think about the first time I stood on a Mòd stage. I was 11 years old, a bundle of nerves in a hand-knitted jumper, clutching my sheet music with sweaty palms. All around me were fellow competitors – schoolchildren in tartan, frantically whispering their lyrics under their breath.

I stepped out onto the stage in Stornoway to perform the Gaelic poem Tha Cuilean Beag Agamsa – I Have A Little Puppy – that I had spent weeks and weeks learning. Every evening after school I'd recite it in front of the fireplace, while my mam nodded along, testing my memory and making sure I hit every word with just the right mix of drama and puppy devotion.

To my astonishment, I was awarded third place. I can still remember standing there with my certificate in hand, thinking: Will life ever get better than this?

The applause and the promise of a Tunnock's Teacake made it feel like I had reached the peak of success. That was the moment the Mòd became part of my life.

The Royal National Mòd is Scotland's largest celebration of Gaelic language, music and culture – a kind of Highland Eurovision, with kilts instead of sequins and accordions in place of wind machines.