A European song contest held in Inverness which focused on Celtic and Scots languages has been hailed as a resounding success across the world.

Nòs Ùr, meaning 'new style' in Gaelic, featured 12 acts performing new songs in a host of minority languages. The event at Eden Court was broadcast live on the internet with listeners able to hear the full show and take part in voting for their favourites.

Countries across Europe and as far away as Australia listened to performers from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Brittany. One winner was selected by a jury and a second by a public vote. Both winners now go on to represent the Celtic and Scots languages at a Grand European Final called Liet Lavlut in Sweden this October.

Event organiser Brian Ó hEadhra said: “The response to the contest has been fantastic. We had visitors from Sweden, Netherlands, Brittany, Wales and Ireland and the overwhelming feedback was one of praise for Nòs Ùr and the city of Inverness.

”There is no doubt the whole event was a success and already we are making plans for next year. The performances and song writing really were of a high quality and featured a variety of music genres, ranging from reggae and punk to folk and indie. The two winners are to be congratulated on their achievement in coming out on top.

“Listening to our European counterparts who attended Nòs Ùr, it is clear we have demonstrated how exciting and important the event can be. It will hopefully lead to even higher numbers coming to Inverness for future Nòs Ùr competitions.”

The public vote was won by Gwennyn, a Breton singer/songwriter who performed ‘Bugale Belfast’ (Children of Belfast). The jury, with representatives from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Brittany voted for Welsh band Yr Annioddefol as the jury winner. They performed Drysu (Confusion).

A spokesperson for Yr Annioddefol (a group of teenagers who formed whilst still at school) said: “We are so thankful to have won. This has been a fantastic competition and we’ve had a great time here in Inverness. We really enjoyed playing in front of an excellent audience. Two of the band had never even been in an airplane before flying to Inverness from Wales for this competition so it has been a real adventure. Now we’re really looking forward to going to Sweden and playing our part in the Grand Final.”

The event was further praised nearer to home. The Scottish Parliament congratulated the organisers, participants and audience of Nòs Ùr and recognised the first Celtic and Scots minority languages song competition of its kind. It also applauded the UHI Millennium Institute for organising Voices of the West, a conference on minority languages which ran in conjunction with Nòs Ùr; and welcomed the importance of vibrant Gaelic and Scots languages and heritage that underpin the self-confidence of Scottish culture.

The event was staged by goEvents which promotes and develops creative arts in the Highlands and Islands. It is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Gaelic Media Services, Highland Council, Colmcille, Scottish Arts Council and UHI Millennium Institute.