Fort William gets ready to welcome record Mòd
THE ROYAL National Mòd (Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail) will return to Lochaber next month for what is set to be a record-breaking year for the festival.
Participant numbers at the Mòd this year are expected to exceed 3,600 - the highest in a decade.
The nine-day spectacular of Gaelic music, arts and sport will take place in Fort William for the first time in 10 years and will this year welcome representatives from towns and cities the Mòd hasn’t seen in generations.
Thousands of competitors from Scotland and across the world, including a delegation of American competitors, will take part in 200 competitions.
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: ‘We’re excited to be returning to Fort William for the first time in 10 years 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 popular Mòd roadshow, which encourages children to take part, to our Mòd Academy bringing dedicated Gaelic tutors to 14 schools throughout Scotland.
‘We’re thrilled to have local celebrities Robert Robertson, Ross Wilson and Na h’Oganaich as part of this year’s opening ceremony.’
Scotland’s biggest Gaelic cultural festival starts on Friday October 13 with a torchlight procession through Fort William to the Nevis Centre where the opening ceremony will be held.
Highlights include performances by former Mod Gold Medallist Robert Robertson, Ross Wilson and Gaelic folk Na h’Oganaich.
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.
Highland councillor Alister Mackinnon, chairman of the corporate resources committee, said: ‘We are delighted the Royal National Mòd is returning to Lochaber, an area where Gaelic and its associated culture remains part of the community.
‘It will be a pleasure to welcome visitors to the Highlands, including those from overseas, who can enjoy the convivial atmosphere, the great range of singing and musical competitions, informal ceilidhs, lectures and other events as part of the exciting fringe programme.’