Ceòl Bho Thuath, a group of four singers from Melvich Gaelic Choir, has won the Folk Group Competition at the International Pan Celtic Festival which is taking place this week in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Melvich Gaelic Choir is one of several Gaelic choirs representing Scotland at this year’s event which has attracted entries from the six Celtic nations of Ireland, Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Isle of Man and Scotland.

Ceòl bho Thuath comprises Raymond Bremner, conductor of Melvich Gaelic Choir, Katrina Scott, Allison McLean and Sarah Sutherland.

In addition to its attendance at the Pan Celtic Festival, Melvich Gaelic Choir has organised a programme of concerts and workshops throughout the year as part of Highland 2007, Scotland's year of Highland culture celebrations and was successful in attracting funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Awards for All and The Highland Council. A further two concerts and workshops will take place in May. The choir will also be competing this week in the International Choral competition at the Pan Celtic Festival.

Other Scottish representatives at the Pan Celtic Festival include Norman Macarthur from Dingwall, Sineag Macintyre from South Uist, winners of the Traditional Medals at Mod 2006 in Dunoon and a choir from Sir E Scott School in Harris under the direction of Iain “Costello” Maciver.

Murdo Morrison, Promotion Manager for the Royal National Mod is also among the Scottish representatives attending the Pan Celtic and warmly congratulated Cèol bho Thuath on their success. “Cèol bho Thuath were worthy winners of the Folk Group competition and came out on top against some very strong performers in what was a quality competition. Their success was a good start to the week’s proceedings in Letterkenny and I am hopeful that other Scottish Gaelic groups will be successful in the various competitions throughout the week.”

The Pan Celtic Festival 2007 which is in its 36th year takes place in Letterkenny from 10 to 15 April. In addition to the Pan Celtic Festival, Letterkenny also hosts An tOireachtas from 12 to 15 April during which a group from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye will be competing.

Further information from Murdo Morrison (07803 609774) or Alexandria Patience (Melvich Gaelic Choir 07786 946008)