The Royal National Mòd returns to Lochaber next week for what’s set to be a record-breaking year for the festival.
Running from Friday, October 13 until Saturday, October 21, the nine-day spectacular of Gaelic music, arts and sport will take place in Fort William for the first time in 10 years.
With participant numbers expected to exceed 3600 at Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail – the highest in a decade – this year will welcome representatives from towns and cities that the Mòd hasn’t seen in generations.
Last year’s event generated £2.5m for host location, the Western Isles, and organisers are confident they’ll see a similar impact in Lochaber, renowned for its warm and welcoming community.
Scotland’s biggest Gaelic Cultural Festival will kick off with a torchlight procession, which will see hundreds of people weave through the streets of Fort William in breathtaking scenes.
The procession will conclude at the Nevis Centre where a blistering opening ceremony will take place – with very special performances by former Gold Medalist Robert Robertson, Ross Wilson and Gaelic folk group, including a former Mòd gold medalist, Na h’Oganaich officially kicking off this year’s festival.
All ready for the Mòd are Shane O’Rua (10), Arran Stephen (10), Seumas MacFarlane (10), Seumas Stevenson (9).
Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the Mòd is the most important festival of the Gaelic language in Scotland.
It sees thousands of competitors from Scotland and across the world, including a delegation of American competitors this year, take part in or watch over 200 competitions in highland dancing, sport, literature and drama, as well as Gaelic music and song.
Alongside the main competitions, the Mòd Fringe returns with a bustling programme filled with traditional music, book launches, concerts and art forms of every description, throughout the festival week.
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We’re excited to be returning to Fort William for the first time in 10years and to do so with a record number of participants is just terrific.
“We’ve had a very busy year in the run up to the festival, from running our hugely popular Mòd Roadshow which encourages children to take part, to our Mòd Academy bringing dedicated Gaelic tutors to 14 schools throughout Scotland – so it’s great to see the number of entries reflect this.
“We’re thrilled to have local celebrities Robert Robertson, Ross Wilson and Na h’Oganaich as part of this year’s opening ceremony, kicking off what is going to be an incredible Royal National Mòd 2017.”
Shane O’Rua (10) and Arran Stephen, pupils from Bun Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar
Highland Councillor Alister Mackinnon, chair of the corporate resources committee said: “We are delighted that the Royal National Mòd is returning to Lochaber, an area in Highland where Gaelic and its associated culture remains part of the community.
“We are also pleased to be supporting the Royal National Mòd as the event has a great deal to offer the Gaelic community. It will be a pleasure to welcome all the visitors to the Highlands, including those from overseas, who should enjoy the convivial atmosphere, the great range of singing and musical competitions, the many informal ceilidhs, lectures and the various events on offer as part of the exciting fringe programme.
“The Mòd puts Gaelic on local, national and international platforms, as it provides the opportunity to showcase the best of our language, culture, in the areas where we live, learn, and work.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “Scotland’s unique Gaelic heritage is a wonderful part of our national identity. We are delighted to be supporting the Royal National Mod to celebrate this, especially during Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Once again the organisers have a jam-packed programme of music, highland dancing, drama plus much more, for the Gaelic-speaking community from both Scotland and further afield to enjoy.
“Scotland truly is the perfect stage for cultural events and we look forward to the return of this internationally renowned festival one month from now.”
The event attracts competitors from Gaelic communities throughout the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Canada and the USA and is considered the biggest event of the Gaelic calendar.
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