These culture events celebrating the Gaelic language, its traditions and its roles both present and future, are at the heart of the West Highlands and Hebrides. If you have never attended one then you are missing something very special

An Comunn Gàidhealach began in Oban in 1891; The Oban Times, founded in 1861, played a pivotal role in its birth.

Since then the organisation has been promoting and keeping alive Gaelic culture through its teaching, lobbying, and the famous network of mòds.

‘Provincial mòds’ are held across the Gaelic heartland and in cities which traditionally had a major Highland presence.

Then in the October each year the Royal National Mòd, Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail, takes place during the half-term school holidays so that children can compete.

An comunn has also developed many international links and friendships not only with other Gaelic-speaking countries but around the globe.

Apart from being a great social and cultural event, there is a place in the mòds for everyone from the tiniest tots and beginners in the language to fluent Gaelic speakers. Competitions include singing, all kinds of music-making through to drama, recitation and the written word.

The provincial mòds are smaller local events in communities throughout the Highlands and also towns and cities that have Gaelic-speaking populations. They all build towards October and the annual Royal National Mòd – a glorious event lasting for more than a week, full of the finest that Gaeldom has to offer, not to mention some very impressive parties.

This year An Comunn Gàidhealach advises: ‘There are currently 18 provincial mòds held throughout Scotland every year that provide many opportunities to take part in Gaelic language, music and cultural events.

‘The majority of the 2021 provincial mòds were either held virtually or postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page or the relevant provincial mòd pages for any updates for 2022.’

This year it is the turn of Perth to host the Mòd from October 14 – 22 and it will be in a ‘hybrid’ format of live and online.