Young Gaelic speakers from across Perth demonstrated confidence, creativity and enthusiasm when they gathered at the Mission Hall of St Matthew’s Church on Thursday 12 March for a series of Gaelic poetry and reading competitions. The morning session, adjudicated by Gaelic educator Rìona Whyte, featured pupils aged five to twelve performing poems and prepared readings in Gaelic.

The event opened with Class G27, Gaelic poems for competitors aged nine or ten. Pupils from Goodlyburn Primary School delivered lively recitations, including Aoibhneas by Iain Guinne, Mo Chuilean by Criosaidh A NicIomhair, and Cha Teid Mise dha Mo Leabaidh. The performances demonstrated strong pronunciation and growing confidence in spoken Gaelic.

In Class G28, Gaelic poems for pupils aged eleven or twelve in Gaelic Medium Education, competitors presented a range of pieces including Giomach, Ziggy, and Alba. Participants represented Perth Academy’s Gaelic Medium unit, Goodlyburn Primary and Morrisons Academy, highlighting the breadth of Gaelic learning across local schools.

The programme continued with prepared reading classes, beginning with Class G18 for pupils aged nine or ten. Eddie Gow of Goodlyburn Primary performed Twiga agus a’ Ghealach by Frances Usher, translated into Gaelic by Anna MacDonald. In Class G19, Libby Gow read an extract from Kaspar by Michael Morpurgo in Gaelic.

Younger pupils then took to the stage in Class G17, prepared reading for ages seven or eight. Performances included Kiboko agus an Nathair-uisge, Leuman agus an Long-bhriste, and A’ Chàisg, with competitors again representing Goodlyburn’s Gaelic Medium classes.

The youngest competitors charmed the audience in Class G25, Gaelic poems for ages five or six. Pieces included Am Bèibidh and the popular rhyme Muncaidh Muncaidh, delivered with enthusiasm by pupils from Goodlyburn Primary and Viewlands Primary School.

The morning concluded with Class G26, Gaelic poems for ages seven or eight, featuring a delightful mix of original and traditional poems. Among them were Mo Charaid Piper, Mo Chuilean, Alba, and several self-written pieces including Sonny, Elmo and Panda.

Adjudicator Rìona Whyte praised the pupils for their clear diction, expressive delivery and commitment to the Gaelic language. She encouraged competitors to continue developing their confidence and enjoyment of Gaelic literature.

General Feedback

• The adjudicator reassures the competitors and audience that they are not meant to be intimidating, encouraging a relaxed atmosphere.
• They emphasise that everyone performed well and that taking part is valuable, even if a performance was not perfect.
• Participants are encouraged to keep practising and return next year, suggesting that improvement comes with experience.

Individual Encouragement

• Elodie is praised for doing very well, with the adjudicator saying they hope to hear more from her in the future.
• Finlay receives praise for excellent expression, which stood out in the performance.
• Piper is also praised, but for a different quality—her calm and composed delivery.
• Both Finlay and Piper’s performances are described as “lovely.”

Performance Advice

• For singing or spoken performances, the adjudicator advises:
  • Pay attention to longer vowel sounds.
  • Think about clarity and delivery, as this helps the audience understand the performance.