MUSICIANS AND BARDS OF THE MACKAY COUNTRY
By Shona Munro
Gaelic Song – Cannan nan Gael
During the mid 1980‘s Gaelic singing was greatly encouraged for the youngsters of Farr School by Head of the Primary Department, Jeanette Mackay from Strathy. She had produced many choirs up until this time but after a successful local Mod she decided to take the Farr Junior Gaelic Choir to the Royal National Mod in Edinburgh. The choir was entered in the rural choirs competition and were the smallest choir in the competition. The choir was delighted when they were declared the winners by twelve clear points ahead of the runners up.
This was a great achievement and a credit to Jeanette who had worked diligently with the youngsters. The choir went on to win this competition for several consecutive years. Popular acclaim was brought to the north due to the choir.
The choir comprised Catriona Macleod and Marsaili Macleod, Strathnaver; Carol-Anne Mackay, Strathy; Dawn Mackay, Bettyhill; Elspeth Fraser, Skerray; Shona and Nikki Munro, Bettyhill; Alison Jappy, Bettyhill; Roddy and Yvonne Mackenzie, Bettyhill; Eilidh Dibble, Strathnaver and Bernie and Roisin O’Hagan, Strathy.
Melvich Gaelic choir, an adult choir, has also achieved much success at national level. Following the retirement of Myrtle Gillies as conductress after many rewarding years they were taken over by Raymond Bremner, formal Mod Gold Medalist.
1972
Catherine Ann MacDonald
These photos were taken at the Mod
Kindly donated by Jana MacDonald, Scouriemore, Scourie
1978
Back: Roddy MacLeod, Steven MacLeod, Neil MacDonald, Innes MacDonald. Front: Donella MacLeod, Catherine Ann MacDonald, Alison MacDonald, Jana MacDonald
These photos were taken at the Mod
Kindly donated by Jana MacDonald, Scouriemore, Scourie
1971
Back: Jana MacDonald, Jane Ross, Evelyn Hay, Christine MacLeod. Front: Donella MacLeod, Lorna Brauer, John Moffat, Mary Mackay, Catherine Ann MacDonald
These photos were taken at the Mod
Kindly donated by Jana MacDonald, Scouriemore, Scourie
These photos were taken at the Mod
Kindly donated by Jana MacDonald, Scouriemore, Scourie
1976
Back: Roddy MacLeod, Innes MacDonald, Karen Corbett, Alec Wood, Jana MacDonald. Middle: Andy MacKenzie, Colin MacKenzie, Neil MacDonald. Front: Isobel Falconer, Joan Falconer
These photos were taken at the Mod
Kindly donated b y Jana MacDonald, Scouriemore, Scourie
Mod
Bunty Campbell, Alison Baillie, Ruby Munro, Margaret Morrison, Anne Campbell, Iris Mackay, Billy Campbell, David Morrison, Andy Mackay, Ian Campbell, Alistair Morrison, Violet Morrison
This photograph forms part of the Durness Photo Archive. Descriptions and names are taken from the records of the Archive.
Kindly donated by Dora Campbell.