Glasgow is saying ‘fàilte’, ‘welcome’, to the Royal National Mòd as the world’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, music and culture takes over the city for nine spectacular days.
Around 10,000 competitors, performers and visitors are expected to soak up the scenes of celebration, camaraderie and creativity in the City of the Gaels – Baile Mòr nan Gàidheal – as the historic, multi-arts festival delivers a special Scottish cultural experience for all.
An ambitious programme of almost 300 concerts, competitions, art exhibitions, sessions, film screenings, processions, literature events and sporting spectacles get underway today, designed for everyone to enjoy – from lifelong speakers and new learners, to those experiencing Gaelic culture for the very first time.
Founded in the Victorian era, the event is held in a different Scottish town annually and is still attracting and engaging thousands. Glasgow first played host in 1895 and the city has welcomed the event 12 times since, most recently in 2019.
Its return to Glasgow comes at a time of real momentum for the language. The city boasts one of the fastest growing numbers of Gaelic learners and this year’s edition of the event has attracted record entries, with more than 2,000 people – aged between four and 80 – set to take part.
Running until Saturday 17 October, 16 Glasgow venues including the Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, National Piping Centre, City of Glasgow College and Edward House, will welcome visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
The Mòd opens tonight with a fitting celebration of 40 years of Gaelic Medium Education in the city. Ar Cànan ’s ar Ceòl will pay tribute to the generations of campaigners, educators and families who have helped the language flourish in the city through music, song and specially commissioned film.
The Mòd’s opening day is marked with the announcement of Gaelic Ambassador of the Year – a Scottish Government award that recognises the outstanding contribution an individual has made to the Gaelic language.
The honour is this year bestowed to ALBA FA founder Calum Ferguson, who has used Scotland’s national game to promote and strengthen Gaelic by creating new opportunities for people to speak, learn and use the language.
Born in Inverness and educated in Gaelic-medium education, Calum’s football career took him from Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s youth academy to playing professionally in Canada and New Zealand. His experiences overseas inspired him to see how language and football could be combined, and so his Gaelic advocacy work began.
ALBA FA now delivers Gaelic community and youth football programmes in Glasgow and across the Highlands and Islands and established Scotland’s first international Gaelic football team. Calum also brings Gaelic to life for social media audiences and is a regular contributor to SpeakGaelic.
Gaelic Ambassador Calum Ferguson said: “I am honoured and humbled to be named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year by An Comunn Gàidhealach and The Scottish Government. I would like to thank everyone who has believed in the project over the years and assisted with funding support towards the Alba FA. Without that collective community effort and guidance, this achievement would never have been possible.”
Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “For the next nine days, Glasgow will be filled with music, performance and conversation for the Royal National Mòd. A highlight of the year for many, it is a precious opportunity to speak, sing, share stories and enjoy the spirit of friendship at the heart of this event. Glasgow and Gaelic go hand in hand and the city always welcomes the event with such warmth so we’re delighted to be looking at a record-breaking edition. The Mòd is a vibrant, multi-arts festival where centuries of tradition sit alongside contemporary music and culture – we would encourage everyone to get involved!”