This was a change in venue due to the fire in the Partick Burgh halls earlier in the year. This may
have been a blessing in disguise, as for the first time
in several years we could hold both the concert and dance in the one venue.
It was great to see our Honorary Patrons Lord Robert son and Professor William Stewart present in the audience with their lovely wife’s at their side.
The concert was opened by Peter Campbell our President who is now in his second year of office.
Peter introduced our chair for the evening Iseabail Mactaggart from Kintra in Islay. Iseabail was a superb chairperson due to her knowledge of music, Gaelic, the Artistes, her charm and humour. (What a combination).
The presentation on the evening was carried out with elegance and grace by Catheryn Loach. Catheryn is the daughter of Sheila Loach (ne Anderson Duich Lotts) a committee member. The Islay Pipers Linsay MacArthur and Sandy McLellan opened both halves of the concert. Very quickly the audience were tapping their feet and clapping their hands. The selection to start the second half was particularly memorable with lots of harmonising between the two pipers. Linsay and Sandy were performing without Pipe Major Andrew McCowan, he should be very proud of them both.
Our other Artistes for the evening were four Mod Gold Medallists Arthur Cormack, Kerrie Finlay, Lyle Kennedy, and Kirsteen Macdonald. Our instrumentalists for the evening were a group called Sgiobalta. They were Fiona Johnston on the accordion, Siobhan Anderson on the fiddle, and Sarah McNeil on the clarsach. Sgiobalta means quick and nimble and they were formed during The Stirling Feis in 2005. They were a perfect contrast to our soloists. Arthur Cormack won his gold medal in Motherwell 1983 and is recognised as one of the finest Gaelic signers of his generation. He also has the title of the busiest man in Sky!
Kerrie Finlay is from Dingwall and she won her gold medal at Falkirk last year. She also sings with the Dingwall Gaelic Choir and is looking forward to see where the wonderful world of Gaelic music will take her.
Lyle Kennedy also won his gold medal at Falkirk last year. Lyle lives in Bonnybridge with his wife and two daughters and sings with the Stirling Gaelic Choir.
Kirsteen Macdonald is from Inverness and won the gold medal at Dunoon Mod in 2006 and won the traditional medal in Falkirk last year. Kirsteen is also the weather presenter on BBC Alba’s news programme, An la.
Our accompanist for the evening was Charles Bonar, who stood in at short notice due to Norma McDougall being unwell. We wish Norma a speedy recovery.
Chic has been involved with Gaelic choirs for many years and has conducted The Stirling Gaelic Choir for 6 years. Thank you Chic… The vote of thanks was carried out by Malcolm Campbell the Vice President.
The PA system on the night was provided by David Bannerman who was assisted by John and the concert was also recorded for our archives. Thank you both.
Thanks also to Charlie Kirkpatrick’s Band who entertained us at the dance which followed until 2 am.
Charlie kept the dance moving along nicely with style and good humour.
Finally thanks to all the staff at Erskine Print for printing our programme, the staff at The Glasgow University Union, and all my colleagues in The Association, for another successful Gathering.
Iseabail and her husband Andy
Peter Campbell our President
Iseabail and Catheryn after presentation
Iseabail`s husband Andy receives his presentation from Catheryn
The Islay Pipers Linsay and Sandy
Arthur Cormack
Kerrie Finlay
Sgiobalta, Fiona Johnston Accordian, Siobhan Anderson Fiddle, Sarah MacNiel Clarsach
Lyle Kennedy
Kirsteen Macdonald
Charlie Kirkpatrick's Band
The dance in full swing
Some old timers look on at the dance !
Janette and Donalda collecting tickets
Iain MacArthur looks over the concert programme and looking very smart in the kilt
Iseabail Mactaggart addresses the audience
Rona and Catheryn selling Programmes