Next month the Royal National Mòd returns to Oban, widely considered to be its home since the first ever was held there in 1892, with only ten competitors on a Saturday afternoon.
Now around 3,000 participants will head to the North Argyll town for 200 competitions in Gaeldom’s premier festival, which stretches over nine days.
It will open with a homecoming concert headlined by Capercaillie’s Donald Shaw and Karen Matheson, who were both brought up in the nearby village of Taynuilt and attended Oban High School.
But it comes at a time when the statutory language body Bòrd na Gàidhlig, has been going through a troubled period after the departure of senior figures.
John Morrison, chief executive of Mod organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “It is true that Bòrd na Gàidhlig has been facing significant problems and it is a challenging time for the Gaelic world. But we have success stories such as Gaelic-medium education, BBC Alba, Radio nan Gàidheal and yes the Mòd itself. It is still going strong more than 120 years after it started, which is a huge achievement. So we’re thrilled to be returning to Oban for the first time in six years.
“Competition is the heart of the Mòd and we have had substantial entries this year. The Fringe also means we can bring Gaelic Culture to a new audience, Gaels and non-Gaels together and celebrate talented musicians from around the world with our exciting programme of events. We’re delighted to have secured Donald and Karen to open this year’s event – it’s not to be missed.”
He said another high point would be a concert dedicated to the memory of Neil Munro, the journalist and celebrated writer, who is best known as the author of the Para Handy tales.
“He was a from Inveraray and spoke Gaelic. Later this month we are re-dedicating the statute An Comunn erected to him in 1935. We have just had it repaired.”
Karen Matheson, of Capercaillie, said she was looking forward to next month in Oban : “Traditional Scottish music has been part of my whole life and, as a kid, I even took part in the Royal National Mòd, so to have it return to my hometown of Oban is really exciting. I was thrilled to be asked to take part in the opening ceremony with Donald and other terrific acts. The Mòd festival line up looks amazing and it’s wonderful that there is still such a thirst for traditional and Gaelic music in Scotland.”
Royal National Mòd runs from Friday October 9 to Saturday October17.
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