The Royal National Mod has announced its new Bard for 2021 on the sixth day of this year’s festival in Inverness.
Festivities are well under way at this year’s Mod, which is mainly taking place at Eden Court Theatre.
Wednesday is the busiest day so far, with Silver Medal competitions and Gold Medal competitions alongside online events and live music performances.
As part of the nine-day-long celebrations, the oranisation has named a new Bard.
Celebrated Gaelic poet Rody Gorman is the latest person to have been awarded the historic literature honour for his significant contribution to the Gaelic literary world.
Mr Gorman, who was born in Dublin but now lives in Skye, is the 57th recipient of the title, which was first awarded almost 100 years ago.
James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach said: “We’re delighted to start the day by announcing celebrated Gaelic poet Rody Gorman as our new Bard.
“The mark Rody has made on Gaelic culture, through his own original works, translations and numerous literary endeavours, is considerable. A fantastic ambassador for Gaelic language and literature, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations.”
To date, the poet has written dozens of Gaelic literary translations and original collections of poetry in Scottish Gaelic, Irish and English.
Promoting Gaelic poetry
Mr Gorman lectures in creative writing and edits the annual bilingual anthology of contemporary Gaelic poetry An Guth.
The award winning poet said he was honoured to be this year’s Bard: “I am greatly honoured to have been awarded the position of Bard of the Comann Gaidhealach in recognition of my work over the years.
“While in office I hope to promote Gaelic poetry and produce relevant work.”
Mr Gorman spoke of the many great names who have been given the Bardic award before him.
He said: “I am conscious and proud that in doing so I’m following in the footsteps of so many others, including Donald Macintyre, Mary Maclean, Angus Peter Campbell, Myles Campbell, Catriona Montgomery and Aonghas MacNeacail, not to mention the office-bearer in 1935, Donald Grant of Camuscross, where I have lived for more than 30 years.”
The Mod will continue until Saturday, with many live competitions, concerts and events still to come.