Royal National Mòd News

Mòd’s 2024 edition celebrates an inspiring opening weekend

Published: 13 Oct 2024

Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl concert Piping competitions and a vibrant showcase of music, art and culture on display at Mòd’s Oban homecoming

The Royal National Mòd is celebrating a successful and inspiring opening weekend for its Oban homecoming, further cementing its standing as the world’s premier Gaelic cultural event.

Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the principal Gaelic language festival celebration was founded in Oban in 1891 with the first event held in the picturesque coastal town in 1892. This Oban Mòd is set to stage a further six days of celebrations, with Celtic sensations Trail West closing the iconic festival this Saturday.

Music, art and sport have all been on the menu already this weekend. Gaelic speaking football players gathered for the first of a two-day National Team Training Camp hosted by the Alba Football Association. The association was established to use football as a force to connect, inspire and grow Scottish Gaelic through community football activity.

Last night also saw the much-anticipated Ar Cànan’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert at the Corran Halls for what was a truly special showcase of Argyll musical prowess.

The concert, musically directed by Sileas Sinclair and compered by John Joe MacNeil, presented an array of local talent including stunning performances from celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, Fèis Latharna musicians, Oban Gaelic Choir, The Garvins, Sorren MacLean and Hannah Fisher, and what is thought to be the world’s first Makaton Gaelic Choir, ‘Aon Ghuth’.

Unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions the historic sporting fixtures were cancelled yesterday. The Mòd Shinty Cups for all ages were rained off at Mossfield Playing Fields. Organisers plan to play some of the competitions at a later date if possible.

The shortlist for this year’s Highland Art Prize has also been unveiled, with 12 impressive works from across Scotland hand-picked by celebrated artist and teacher Ishbel Murray. Outstanding works which have made the coveted roll call are:

This year’s winner will be announced at a prestigious prize giving ceremony at the Rockfield Centre on Friday 18th October.

  • Blue Grey Sea, Cille Pheadair, South Uist/Sé Liath, Cille Pheadair, South Uist by Caroline Hunter from Artmap Argyll
  • Dùthchas: Pabaigh Strollers by Yasmin Davidson of Uist Arts Association
  • In the Wilds/Anns an Fhàsach by David Deamer from Resipole Studios, Ardnamurchan
  • Inverewe - Branches Make Trees by Catherine Sargeant of An Talla Solais in Ullapool
  • Metamorphic (2023) by Laura Donkers of Uist Arts Association
  • Rust, Trotternish by John Nicholson at Art Society of Inverness
  • Snow Colours, Moray Firth by Jude Edgar from An Talla Solais, Ullapool
  • The Edge of the Atlantic 3 by Lesley McKenzie of Open Studios Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis
  • The Vast Expanse/An Leud Mòr by Jane Rushton of Resipole Studios in Ardnamurchan
  • The Vennel by Katie Squires from the Society of Caithness Artists;
  • Travelling Alone by Jules Mather from Artmap Argyll
  • 240 Burning Houses by Michael Forbes of the Teapot Trust, Dingwall.

Today, the annual Mòd Church Service will be held at Oban Parish Church at 3pm and will be broadcast live around the country on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. Tonight, The Corran Halls will play host to Celtic Praise featuring a beautiful performance from Celtic Worship.

Across the week there will be more opportunities to try out new sports and activities, with an Orienteering Challenge for young Gaelic speakers taking place tomorrow and Stand Up Paddleboarding sessions, a lego building workshop and drone flying lessons also taking place throughout the festival.

Also to come, the competitions continue with Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of The Bands Competitions) taking place on Monday and Tuesday this week, the Literature Prize Giving, Mòd Drama Final and Gold Medal competition taking place on Wednesday, the coveted Traditional Gold Medal final taking place on Thursday and much-loved choir competitions on Friday.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The outstanding musical and artistic talent on display at the Royal National Mòd 2024 here in Oban has set an incredible tone for the week ahead. From Mànran’s electrifying performance to the remarkable talent of local artists, the opening weekend has brought the Mòd’s birthplace to life in spectacular style. The Mòd has an incredible power to invigorate and inspire and this is already being felt as we hear Gaelic being spoken and sung in every corner of Oban.

This weekend wasn’t just about the music— today’s Church Service and Celtic Praise concert provide an important opportunity for coming together in reflection and gratitude. It’s truly a joy to see Gaelic’s premier event kick off with such a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultural opportunities, celebrating the richness of our language.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, Bid4Oban, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd runs in Oban until Saturday 19 October.

For more information, visit our website.

The fringe programme is available to view here.

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