TV personality Phil MacHugh will help launch the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow this week as host of a major opening concert celebrating 40 years of Gaelic-medium education in the city.
MacHugh, who presents Scottish Fling alongside Martin Compston, will take to the stage at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Friday, 9 October, for Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl.
He will be joined by his cousin, fellow presenter and Glasgow Gael Catrìona “Carrie” MacNeil.
Both were among the first pupils to attend the Sir John Maxwell Gaelic Medium Education unit when it opened in Glasgow in 1985.
The concert will chart the development of Gaelic-medium education in the city from those early years to the present day, with Glasgow now home to five Gaelic schools.
A specially commissioned film will trace that journey, accompanied by music performed by an orchestra made up of past and present pupils.
Guest musicians will also perform during the evening as the concert celebrates Gaelic language, music and culture, as well as the role education has played in sustaining Glasgow’s Gaelic community.
MacHugh said: “It is a real privilege to take part in and show my support for the 2026 Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. My connection to Gaelic runs deep. I was proudly educated through Gaelic Medium Education at Sir John Maxwell and Hillpark Gaelic Unit going through the system from the age of four to 17.
“That education opened so many doors for my future and gave me memories, friendships and opportunities beyond anything I could have imagined.
“Gaelic has played a huge part in shaping who I am, and it’s fantastic to see the language, culture and community celebrated on such a significant stage.
“The Mòd is a wonderful celebration of everything Gaelic represents, and I’m proud to be part of it in Glasgow in 2026.”
MacNeil’s family also played a significant role in the establishment of Gaelic-medium education in Glasgow, with her mother becoming its first teacher and other members of the family among its earliest pupils.
MacNeil, who has recently become a Gaelic teacher in the city, said: “My family were involved in establishing GME, with my mum being its first teacher and my siblings and cousins among the first cohorts.
“From the beginning, GME created a strong Gaelic community and gave hope for the future of the language and culture. The opportunities afforded to me through GME have shaped my whole life.
“Having recently become a Gaelic teacher in the city, I am in awe of how far GME has come since those early days.
“What we have today is a testament to the hard work of those who have championed it through the years, and it is a privilege to now contribute to that.
“I see first-hand the impact GME has, not only on individuals, but in building and sustaining a thriving Gaelic community in Glasgow.”
The Royal National Mòd runs in Glasgow from 9 to 17 October and is expected to attract around 10,000 visitors.
Around 300 concerts, competitions, cèilidhs, exhibitions, talks and performances are scheduled across the nine-day programme.
The festival, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, is one of the most important annual celebrations of Gaelic language, music and culture.