Oban welcomes the long-awaited return of the Royal National Mòd on Friday – the premier Gaelic cultural spectacle held in a different Scottish town each year – for what will be the biggest edition of the event in five years and a return to its spiritual birthplace.
The prestigious event will celebrate all things Gaelic language, culture and music in the streets and venues around the Argyll town between now and Saturday, October 19.
The historic event was first held in Oban in 1892, some 132 years ago and last returned in 2015.
This will be its 17th outing in the town, with around 10,000 competitors, performers and visitors estimated to attend over the coming nine days to soak up a packed programme of concerts, competitions, exhibitions, sessions and sport.
A torchlit procession through the streets of Oban led by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, members of An Comunn Gàidhealach and the local organising committee will get things formally underway this evening, before history-making Scottish music outfit Mànran take to the stage in front of a packed Corran Halls crowd. Saturday night will see Argyll talent of all ages shine for Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert.
The town itself has also rolled out the red carpet, with dozens of local businesses in and around Oban taking part in a window dressing competition, bringing their premises to life with the look and feel of the Mòd in a display of welcoming warmth.
READ MORE: Glasgow to host Royal National Mòd in 2026
The opening day of the Mòd is also marked with the unveiling of this year’s Gaelic Ambassador of the Year – a Scottish Government honour presented to outstanding Gael who have dedicated their lives to championing the language.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will present this year’s honour to two individuals originally from the Isle of Lewis – educator and development expert Margaret MacIver and posthumously to Gaelic activist Finlay MacLeod.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “What a feeling to be back in Oban for this milestone Mòd as we welcome thousands of Gaels and Gaelic supporters to the town to honour our language and culture. The Gaelic language continues to have an irreplaceable place in daily Scottish life and over the next nine days we will see that strengthened and celebrated.
"I would like to pay tribute to our Gaelic Ambassadors for 2024 whose passion for Gaelic as an active, growing language richly deserves such recognition. The next nine days will be a real demonstration of how the language is thriving, underpinned by incredible cultural output and a strong sense of community.”
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, said: “It is fitting to see the Mòd return home to Oban as we mark an increase in Gaelic speakers for the first time in nearly 50 years.
“As a proud speaker of the language, it is an honour to see Gaelic champions recognised with the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Ambassador of the Year award.
“We have provided Gaelic initiatives like the Mòd with more than £120 million since 2021. To build on this support, we are progressing the Scottish Languages Bill which aims to strengthen Gaelic education and make Gaelic an official language of Scotland.”
Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Ceud mìle fàilte. It’s a joy to see the Royal National Mòd back in its home, in Oban, after nearly a decade. The Mòd plays a valuable cultural and economic role in Argyll and Bute, past, present and future.
"As a council, and as communities, we’re proud to support the event and welcome the thousands of talented people who will congregate in Oban over the next week to celebrate our Gaelic culture. I hope you enjoy some of the sights and hospitality of Argyll and Bute while you are with us. Best of luck in the events.”
In addition to the host of in-person events held across the week, a clutch of events will be livestreamed to Gaels around the world including this evening’s Mànran gig, Saturday night’s Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert and Monday and Tuesday evening’s Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of the Bands) finals. Highlights of flagship competitions will also be broadcast from Monday to Friday next week on BBC ALBA.
The Royal National Mòd takes place in Oban until October 19. Tickets for select events are on sale at https://ancomunn.eventbrite.co.uk/.
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