Port Appin’s Euan Paterson wins Silver Pendant at Royal National Mòd

Port Appin singer Euan Paterson has won the men’s Silver Pendant at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow, with his family there to share the moment.

Euan, Senior Media Officer at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) near Oban, also lifted the Alasdair MacInnes Memorial Trophy in the flagship solo singing competition for adult Gaelic learners.

Euan said:

“I was absolutely stunned to win and was, for once, speechless. I couldn’t form words in English, let alone Gaelic, in the media interview afterwards!

“It was so nice to have my parents and my brother and sister there to see me win – and I needed help to carry the silverware in the end!”

Euan was proud to perform Fàgail Liosmòr, a Lorn favourite, alongside A Pheigi, a ghràidh. The latter held particular significance following the recent death of his great-aunt Peggy.

He thanked those who had helped him prepare, crediting Donnchadh Eòsaph MacNèill with supporting his Gaelic pronunciation, Janet Fergusson with his singing, and his mother, Audrey Iseabail NicPhàdraig, with guiding him throughout.

Euan also acknowledged support from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), of which SAMS is a partner, in developing his Gaelic skills:

“I also want to thank UHI for supporting my Gaelic learning through its staff development fund. This has been invaluable in my attempt to improve my Gaelic and, ultimately, to be able to compete at this level.”

Euan congratulated women’s Silver Pendant winner Laura Gormley, who he said “sang so beautifully”, and thanked everyone who had sent messages of support following his win.