Òran do Ghlashu / Song to Glasgow

Òran do Ghlashu (Song to Glasgow), a song commission by Glasgow Life to mark 25 years of new Gaelic song, was won by Robbie Andrew MacLeòid. 

The competition in 2025 asked for entries inspired by the bell, the tree, the fish and the bird – the historic symbols of Glasgow – as part of the city’s Glasgow 850 celebrations.

The commission was awarded to songwriter Robbie Andrew MacLeòid a poet, songwriter, and writer, who creates in English and Scottish Gaelic. Based in Glasgow, Robbie has won multiple awards for his writing, including the Scottish Book Trust’s New Writers Award, and the Carloway Cup for Contemporary Songwriting in Gaelic. His songs include ‘Tamhasg’, covered by Gaelic supergroup Mànran on their second album The Test; ‘Beò an Dòchas’, commissioned by Fèisean nan Gàidheal for the Year of Young People and sung live at the Blas Festival by over 500 youngsters; and ‘Cumha’, his first single.

The Òran do Ghlashu project celebrates and supports the creation of new Gaelic songs, encouraging fresh voices and contemporary approaches within the tradition while remaining rooted in place, language and story. The commission reflects 25 years of nurturing new Gaelic songwriting and highlights the ongoing vitality of the artform.

As part of the prize, Robbie’s song will receive its premiere performance at a concert which is part of the internationally acclaimed Celtic Connections festival, and performed by Gillebrìde MacMillan, widely recognised as a leading pioneer and champion of new Gaelic song.

Glasgow Life were delighted to record the winning track, written by Robbie MacLeòid, sung by Gillebrìde MacMillan, and arranged by Josie Duncan, bringing together some of the most respected and innovative voices in contemporary Gaelic music.

Gillebrìde MacMillan has long been a passionate advocate for new Gaelic repertoire, supporting generations of songwriters by bringing new work to national and international stages.

From open competition, to professional recording, to performance at one of the world’s leading Celtic music festivals, Òran do Ghlashu showcases the full creative journey of a new Gaelic song — celebrating language, culture and Glasgow’s story at a landmark moment for the city.