Two Lewis-born performers were awarded the prestigious Mòd Gold Medals at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall last night (Wednesday October 14).

Men’s gold medallist Mark Smith, from Shawbost, and women’s gold medallist Isabelle Bain, from Gress, were both made winners following a tough competition. They both scored the highest marks out of the competition.

The 134-year-old competition is known for its prestige, with the two singers from Lewis – who were each making their debuts in the competition – joining a long line of previous winners who are among the best known and most highly regarded Gaelic singers in history.

Women’s Gold Medallist Isabelle Bain, who now lives in Australia, said: “I’m just delighted and shocked. I didn't think it would happen, so I’m delighted to have won. I haven't competed in a few years so in the morning I felt quite nervous, but then this evening I was more comfortable. I don't know if I was just back in the swing of it, but I really enjoyed singing this evening. It means a lot to be a Gold Medallist. I’m following in the footsteps of so many great Gaelic singers, so I’m delighted to be joining them!”

Men’s Gold Medallist Mark Smith, who now lives in Glasgow, said: “I'm totally in disbelief. I did not expect it at all. It's way more nerve-wracking than I thought it would be. It feels like a dream right now. I've loved learning the songs because it's made me appreciate Gaelic poetry more, which hopefully is something that I can continue to learn about. It's opened up a whole way of singing that I didn't know I could do. Being able to do it in Glasgow has just been so lovely because everyone could come to watch and support. 

“I have totally loved representing Lewis. In the morning, I got to sing a song that my grandfather wrote about my granny, so that's what I really wanted to do. I'm so chuffed, I'm just absolutely over the moon.”

Gaelic theatre was also in the spotlight last night, with Gaelic performance groups from Uist, Skye, Inverness, Islay and Glasgow vying for glory in the Mòd Drama Final. In the end, it was Uist Drama Team who lifted the Premier Award – the West Highland Free Press Quaich – for their performance of Am Faigh an Cowboy Bàs?.

The premier showcase of Gaelic culture and song continues today as the nine-day event embarks on one of its busiest days of events.

Thursday began with a minute’s silence, observed at 9am across all venues, as a mark of respect for this week’s tragedy on Lewis.

Looking ahead, the beloved Combined Rural Choirs’ Competitions and the Traditional Gold Medal event will take centre stage, alongside Highland Dancing contests, with hundreds of people competing at events across the programme today alone.

In Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Ceòl is Craic presents Guth a’ Bhaile - Voice of the City - celebrating contemporary Gaelic songwriting and emerging talent. Singers Màiri MacMillan, from Uist, and Josie Duncan, from Lewis, will perform original songs inspired by the lived experience of Gaels in the city today, joined by acclaimed Haitian composer and multi-instrumentalist Germa Adan and young musicians from Glasgow Gaelic School.

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Glasgow is supported by Glasgow Life, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Scottish Government, VisitScotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and Qualifications Scotland.
 
The Royal National Mòd runs in Glasgow until Saturday 17 October 2026. For more information and tickets, click here.