Nòs Ùr song competition finalists announced

The finalists have been selected for the first Celtic and Scots languages song contest to be held in Inverness as one of four regional competitions held across Europe.

Nòs Ùr, meaning 'new style' in Gaelic has received entries of newly composed songs entered in Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Manx, Welsh and Breton. The Celtic and Scots competition will take place in Eden Court on Saturday June 21 when members of the public will be able to vote on the night by text message or email.

The contest is the only song competition of its kind in Europe and follows a similar format as the Eurovision Song Contest with singers and bands representing a particular country, except in this case it is a minority language.

The winners of the Celtic and Scots competition will be entered into the final of the pan-European Liet Lavut competition which takes place in Lulea, Sweden in October.

Nòs Ùr takes place at Eden Court on June 21 coinciding with UHI Millennium Institute 'Voices of the West - Minority Languages in Broadcasting and Education' conference on minority languages, with keynote speakers including broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and Derrick McClure from Aberdeen University.

The Nòs Ùr finalists are: Aled Myrddin, Welsh; Davie Tait, Scots; Dilwyn Llwyd, Welsh; Fiona J Mackenzie, Scots Gaelic; Gillebride MacIllemhaoil, Scots Gaelic; Gwennyn Louarn, Breton; Oi Polloi, Scots Gaelic; Gareth Bonello, Welsh; Yr Annioddefol, Welsh; Phamie Gow, Scots Gaelic; Paula Kehoe, Irish; and Lleuwen Steffan, Welsh.

Event organiser and Inverness-based musician Brian Ó hEadhra is managing the project for goEvents which promotes and develops creative arts in the Highlands and Islands. He said: "There has been a lot of music and media interest in the event and it is a great promotional opportunity for budding and professional song-writers."

"We are delighted with the submissions 42 entries from many different minority languages. We had an independent jury of Scottish, Friesian (Netherlands) and Cornish judges who whittled them down to 12 of the best. It wasn't easy as the standard was extremely high, however, we are looking really forward to the night of the final and we hope many people interested in songs from minority languages will come along as it will be a very entertaining evening."

Support for Nòs Ùr is coming from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Highland Council, Colmcille, Scottish Arts Council and UHI Millennium Institute.

Tickets are available for anyone interested in attending the event. Please call Eden Court Theatre on 01463 234234.