MÒD VLOG CHAMPIONS ARE CROWNED
The winners of MG ALBA’s Mòd vlogging competition have been announced.
Thirty nine entries – 17 from young people and 22 from adults – were submitted to the Vlog a’ Mhòid/Mod Vlog competition, which asked for short video blogs about the Mòd from anyone participating in any way whether it be as a performer, TV viewer, radio listener, competition adjudicator or Mòd supporter. Each category winner receives the prize of a GoPro camera.
Winner in the young person’s single vlog category was Beth, 11, from Kilmaluag on the Isle of Skye with her vlog entitled Clann Thròndairnis aig Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2016. Beth was part of a group called Clann Thròndairnis, who competed in several competitions at the Mòd, and her vlog tells the story of their journey to Stornoway, the group competing and the prizes they won. The judges particularly praised her ability to communicate her story in such a fun and vibrant way, using video effects and pictures to enhance her vlog.
In second place was Matthew age nine from Edinburgh, whilst brothers Ewan and Andrew 13 and 10 respectively, from Laide couldn’t be separated and scooped joint third place.
In the young person’s vlog series category, friends Katie and Breagha, both 10 years old, from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, were crowned winners with an impressive series that told their entire Mòd story, including some excursions around Lewis and Harris, and ending with their ferry journey home. The last vlog in their series can be viewed here.
Second and third place respectively went to brothers Rufus and Felix (eight and five) from Oban, who both based their series on the journey to Stornoway, concluding with their competitions. In particular, judges praised Rufus for his creativity in his Bàrdachd Rufus vlog where he recites his Mòd poem in different places as he makes his way to Stornoway. In the adult categories, Ricky Hannaway and Alison MacRae, friends from the Isle of Lewis, made a humorous series of vlogs about the Mòd and the judges liked their entries Abair Sealladh! so much that not only did they win best adult series, but also best adult single vlog with Alison’s Sabotage Seòlta / Cunning Sabotage.
The friends are members of rival choirs and their series delves into the rivalry between them when the Mòd comes around. The judges were unanimous when choosing the winning single vlog in which Alison gets her own back on Ricky for spying on her choir. The vlog in which Alison impersonates the conductor of the other choir to sabotage their rehearsal was funny, well scripted and well planned.
Joy Dunlop, a self-confessed Mòd geek, gave an overview of her Mòd as judge and competitor. Her second vlog in which she shows her journey to Stornoway was praised by the judges and got second place in the single vlog category and her series was awarded second place overall.
Marcas Mac an Tuairneir’s series of seven vlogs was awarded third place and a vlog by Na Cardigans – friends Hannah, Caitlin and Eilish was awarded third in the adult singe vlog category.
Calum Maclean, vlogger on BBC The Social, judged the competition, along with highly regarded singer and teacher, Sineag MacIntyre and Alison Bruce, An Comunn Gaidhealach development officer.
Calum said: “The vlogs that were received in the Vlog a Mhòid competition were really creative, imaginative and personal. Some made us laugh, some made us think, and some inspired us. We were amazed at how different they all were – giving a great overview of Mòd life.
“Those making their very first vlogs should be especially commended. Ultimately we, as judges, found it very difficult to decide between them – all the vloggers should be proud of their efforts.”
Iseabail MacTaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership, said: “We were delighted with the quality of the vlogs across the competition, both in creative ideas and execution of filming and editing. It was clear that Mòd goers’ imaginations were fired up. We look forward to seeing more in the future!”
