Mòd success for Skye youngsters

Mòd success for Skye youngsters

12 OCTOBER 2026

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Skye’s young musicians have enjoyed a successful start to the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow.

Sleat piper Seonaidh Forrest, 16, won the Royal Highland Fusiliers Cup in the 16–18 March, Strathspey and Reel competition. Seonaidh is currently studying at Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd (The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music) in Plockton. Seonaidh also won the Under 18s Hornpipe and Jig, taking the Colonel Murdoch Mactaggart, Bowmore, Memorial Trophy.

Seonaidh’s younger brother, 10-year-old Michael, came third in the Under 13s 2–4 March competition on the chanter.

Ten-year-old Kiro Brendan, from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh, took home two first place finishes. He won the gold medal and the Roderick Ross Ferintosh Memorial Trophy in the Novice 2/4 March Junior Piping competition. Kiro was also the only primary school pupil to compete in the Under 16s Pìobaireachd Ground competition. He came first and was awarded the Dugald Campbell Cowan Trophy.

Kiro’s sister, 16-year-old Leela, came third in the Under 19s Fiddle Solo competition with a slow air. Leela is a student at Portree High School.

The siblings are members of both the Skye Youth Pipe Band and the Isle of Skye Pipe Band.

D-I Brown, Convenor of the Royal National Mòd Local Organising Committee, said:

“The winning formula for every successful Mòd is an inclusive programme that caters to all ages, skill levels and interests. The team behind Mòd Ghlaschu – including An Comunn Gàidhealach, our local organising committee, event partners and many volunteers – has worked tirelessly to deliver exactly that.

“Our opening weekend combines friendly competition, Fringe events and moments for quiet reflection, offering something for everyone, with much more still to come over the week ahead.”

The Mòd runs in Glasgow until Saturday 17 October.