Talented musicians have gone on to make history at The Royal National Mod whilst following in the footsteps of those who inspired their journey to success.
North-east accordion player Duncan MacPherson Ritchie, made his first solo appearance at this year’s Mod, gaining first place and the An Comunn Gaidhealach Prize during the under-19’s Ceol Bogsa contest in contemporary traditional tunes.
© DC Thomson
Duncan MacPherson Ritchie of Aberdeen, a winner in the under 19 accordion competitions.
Speaking to the Press and Journal, he said: “It feels great. It’s quite a relief because I have been to many competitions, but I think this is my first time properly winning against more people.
“The competition I was doing is contemporary, so it’s quite a wide umbrella and anyone could have won really, but I am happy and pleasantly surprised.”
The 18-year-old who studies Traditional Music at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said he decided to compete in honour of his grandfather who grew up on Skye.
He added: “I have always done these competitions and he (his grandfather) grew up in Skye and the competition they all did was the Mod. I have never done the Mod on my own, so I did it for him really.”
Meanwhile, first place in the 13-18 year’s Fiddle contest went to 13-year-old Meredith Kennedy from Stirling.
The young student from Glenalmond School walked away with The Robert McCallum Memorial Trophy, marking her third consecutive victory at the national competition.
The youngster – who began playing seven years ago after learning to play the Clarsach – said her drive and dedication derived from her mother Hazel.
She said: “It’s thanks to my mum. She played the Clarsach before me so it was her that introduced me to it and it’s thanks to her I am where I am now.
“If she hadn’t nagged me for all those years, I would never have practised.”
