Appeal to find programme from 1892 National Mod in Oban

An appeal was launched yesterday by the National Library of Scotland to find a copy of the very first programme of the National Mod held in Oban in 1892.

A similar appeal last year resulted in the programmes for the second and third Mods being donated to the national collection by the family of a former president of An Comunn Gaidhealach, Donald Thomson.

These historical programmes can now be seen on the library’s website where it is hoped they will be joined by the programme of the very first Mod.

The library has one of the richest Gaelic collections in the world and is always looking to add to the national collection, where material is retained permanently and is available to everyone. The library was delighted that an appeal last year resulted in the donation of programmes from the early Mods, part of the collection of Donald Thomson who served as An Comunn president from 1962-65, in addition to other roles promoting the Gaelic language.

These, and many other Mod and Gaelic pamphlets, programmes and music were gifted by his daughter, Catriona Dairon, who encouraged other people to have a look through their attics or cupboards for any material. She said she had been looking for a home for some of her father’s books and papers stored in her attic.

With this year’s Mod in Lochaber due to start tomorrow, the library is again appealing to everyone involved in the event to consider contributing any publications or material they may have at home, and especially other early Mod programmes.