Raibeart MacCallum leaves lasting Mod legacy for Gaelic music lovers
2026 would have been his 80th mod.
For generations of singers, audiences and fellow musicians, Raibeart MacCallum was not simply part of the Royal National Mod.
He was the Mod.
The lifelong champion of Gaelic choral music and language, who has died after nearly eight decades of attendance at the festival, leaves behind a legacy etched into the sound and soul of massed Gaelic song.
Born on June 14, 1938, he was in his 89th year when he passed away after a day of Gaelic music.
It was in his blood, with his father Malcolm MacCallum conducting the Campbeltown Gaelic Choir as they secured the highest prizes of the Royal National Mod competitions.
Originally from Kintyre, Raibeart was widely revered as a conductor, adjudicator and cultural force within the Gaelic world.
He was married to Christine, and the couple shared a love of Gaelic music, often attending the Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering on the Isle of Mann.
But his favourite musical love was at a festival much closer to home.
Unbroken record of attendance
Raibeart had an unbroken record at Royal National Mods.
By the time of his death, he was just one mod short of what would have been an extraordinary and unparalleled 80 consecutive attendances.
He loved to tell people of that achievement and wore it as a badge of pride.
Raibeart was born in 1936 and brought up in Campbeltown, a place he loved.
He later moved to Glasgow, where he became closely associated with the city’s Gaelic choral scene and went on to found and conduct the Glasgow Hebridean Choir.
He was the unmistakable figure at the centre of the closing ceremony, raising his arms to conduct Sine Bhan at the massed choirs event that traditionally brings the Royal National Mod to an end.
‘His passion for Gaelic song was absolute’
Even when his formal role as a conductor and later as an adjudicator came to an end, he was rarely absent from competition halls.
He sat in audience seats for most, if not all, the Gaelic choral categories.
His presence was especially felt during the Lovatt and Tullibardine Competition on the Friday afternoon of Mod week.
‘One of a kind’ Gaelic singer and conductor Raibeart MacCallum
He enjoyed telling people about his considerable success as conductor of the Glasgow Hebridean Gaelic Choir, and that he was also a respected solo singer in his younger years.
His musical authority was earned not only through training and expertise, but through a lifelong immersion in Gaelic culture.
Jackie Cotter, president of Comunn nan Coisirean, the Gaelic Choir Association, described him as “certainly one of a kind”.
“Mod Ghlaschu would have been his 80th Mod. Of course, we would have given him his place to conduct Sìne Bhan,” she said.
“However, that is not to be. I am sure there will be some angels up there getting a roasting for their interpretation of the song.”
She added that Raibeart’s final days were spent peacefully, listening to recordings of Gaelic choirs, including his beloved Glasgow Hebridean Gaelic Choir.
“His family and those who loved him are very much in our thoughts as we remember someone very special from our Gaelic choral family,” she said.
“Gus am bris an latha.”
Aberdeen choir conductor Finlay Morse said Raibeart was “a highly respected figure within the Gaelic choral community”, noting his former leadership of the Glasgow Gaelic Choir and later the Glasgow Hebridean Choir.
“His contribution to Gaelic music and culture was significant, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” he said.
Those who encountered Raibeart socially remembered not only his seriousness of purpose, but his humour and fire.
Raibeart MacCallum and his impact on Gaelic
Renowned musician Arthur Cormack shared a tribute online to Raibeart.
He said that at the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival last year Raibeart was still singing his own compositions.
Later that night, following a singsong in a pub, he declined offers of assistance despite being unsteady on his feet. Declaring himself perfectly capable, he headed off alone.
Minutes later, a car drew alongside fellow singers making their way on foot.
The window lowered, Gaelic choral music blared into the night, and Raibeart shouted his verdict as he passed.
“The Hebs. Best f***ing Gaelic choir ever.”
It was, in its way, the most fitting tribute he could offer.
Duncan Raibeart MacCallum was a strong supporter of the Scottish independence movement, and many feel it fitting that his funeral will take place on election day at 1pm in Campbeltown Town Hall on Thursday May 7.
Raibeart is survived by his son Hamish and his wife Susan, and he had one granddaughter Cara.
His wife Christine died in 2021, after a short illness.
[Source: Press and Journal]
