Last Saturday night two young acts were chosen to represent the Celtic & Scots languages at the Liet International Song Competition for European minority languages. Ten acts from the various Celtic and Scots languages travelled from far and wide to Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Scotland, to perform in front of an enthusiastic audience. The event was also broadcast live over the internet.
The live audience as well as the global internet audience voted for their favourite act and ultimately chose the young Isle of Lewis rock act Sunrise Not Secular singing their song Lasair an t-Oidhche (Flame of the Night) in Scottish Gaelic. Lead vocalist, David Nicolson said David said "Nòs Ùr was one of the most incredible experiences to date for Sunrise Not Secular. Winning the vote was incredibly humbling, a great victory for the Gaelic language and a testament to the fans' overwhelming support. We couldn't be happier."
Five independent jury members, representing the various language groups, decided to give the jury winners prize to the respected Dublin singer-songwriter Fiach who's song was titled Sea Táim (So I) in Irish Gaelic.
The event was hosted by TV star Tony Kearney and acclaimed singer-songwriter Karine Polwart who enthralled the audience after the intermission with her own newly composed song in the Scots tongue.
Micheal Russell MSP, the Minister for Culture, External Affairs & The Constitution, gave a rousing speech at the prize-giving stating “In Scotland, we need to make sure, in every circumstance, that Gaelic and Scots is spoken, particularly on stage, in music, for audiences who wish to hear it. The songs you heard tonight are a celebration of all the Celtic and Scots language nations.”
Event organiser, Brian Ó hEadhra said “Nòs Ùr grows year on year and the positive feedback from the audience and artistes has been incredible. The event challenges old fashioned notions some folk have about minority language speakers and we aim to demonstrate that there is a vibrant and healthy future for our indigenous languages.”