​Homecoming for the Mòd as Gaelic Ambassadors announced

Oban welcomes the long-awaited return of The Royal National Mòd® today – the premier Gaelic cultural spectacle held in a different Scottish town each year – for what will be the biggest edition of the event in five years and a return to its spiritual birthplace.

The prestigious event will celebrate all things Gaelic language, culture and music in the streets and venues around the Argyll town between now and Saturday 19 October.

The historic event was first held in Oban in 1892, some 132 years ago and last returned in 2015. This will be its seventeenth outing in the town and one to remember, with around 10,000 competitors, performers and visitors estimated to attend over the coming nine days to soak up a packed programme of concerts, competitions, exhibitions, sessions and sport.

A dazzling torchlit procession through the streets of Oban led by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, members of An Comunn Gàidhealach and the local organising committee will get things formally underway this evening, before history-making Scottish music outfit Mànran take to the stage in front of a packed Corran Halls crowd. Tomorrow night will see Argyll talent of all ages shine for Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert.

The town itself has also rolled out the red carpet, with dozens of local businesses in and around Oban taking part in a window dressing competition, bringing their premises to life with the look and feel of the Mòd in a display of welcoming warmth.

The opening day of the Mòd is also marked with the unveiling of this year’s Gaelic Ambassador of the Year – a Scottish Government honour presented to outstanding Gael who have dedicated their lives to championing the language.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will present this year’s honour to two individuals originally from the Isle of Lewis – educator and development expert Margaret MacIver and posthumously to Gaelic activist Finlay MacLeod.

Margaret MacIver has dedicated years to the study and sharing of Gaelic, teaching the language for 15 years in secondary schools in Beauly, Inverness, Glasgow and Oban before moving into Gaelic Development. She worked the length and breadth of Scotland with the then Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) and Comunn na Gàidhlig. Margaret was instrumental in the growth of Gaelic Medium Education – achievements included the set up of a Gaelic Education Action Group, teacher recruitment campaigns and overseeing the first ever national survey ever on the needs of Gaelic learners. Margaret was responsible for the launch of the national parental organisation, Comann Nam Pàrant (Nàiseanta), which has now become the most influential community body operating on behalf of Gaelic education, and setting up the first professional Association of Gaelic Secondary Teachers, CLAS. Margaret later went on to become a Gaelic Lecturer at Aberdeen University and has been involved with many organisations including as Secretary of The Celtic Congress. This year marks 50 years since she first adjudicated at the Royal National Mòd.

Finlay MacLeod spent his life campaigning for the Gaelic language and the introduction of the language at pre-school age. He travelled extensively throughout the country, lobbying politicians and parents, and was the first person to obtain funding from the HIDB for a Gaelic language project. Finlay opened his first Gaelic pre-school in Oban in 1981 and others quickly followed. He went on to lead Comhairle Nan Sgoiltean Àraich for many years before setting up his own Moray Language Centre, based in Banffshire, where he wrote and developed courses for pre-school, early primary children and parents. Finlay’s work has gained international recognition and seen him work with indigenous language partners around the world. Remembered as a missionary for Gaelic, Finlay attended the Royal National Mòd each year and was one of the great Gaelic activists of recent times. Finlay MacLeod’s sister Margaret Wilks will collect the award on his behalf.

Margaret MacIver said: “I consider this award a huge honour and I am greatly indebted to An Comunn Gàidhealach for considering me a suitable recipient of this year’s title of Gaelic Ambassador. It is indeed a most humbling experience for me.”

Margaret Wilks said: “I am proud to accept this posthumous award on behalf of my late brother Finlay. It recognises his lifelong work to help ensure the survival of the Gaelic language. Finlay would be delighted, as I am, to know that the award is shared with our cousin Mairead.”

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “What a feeling to be back in Oban for this milestone Mòd as we welcome thousands of Gaels and Gaelic supporters to the town to honour our language and culture. The Gaelic language continues to have an irreplaceable place in daily Scottish life and over the next nine days we will see that strengthened and celebrated. I would like to pay tribute to our Gaelic Ambassadors for 2024 whose passion for Gaelic as an active, growing language richly deserves such recognition. The next nine days will be a real demonstration of how the language is thriving, underpinned by incredible cultural output and a strong sense of community.”

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes said: “It is fitting to see the Mòd return home to Oban as we mark an increase in Gaelic speakers for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Ceud mìle fàilte. It’s a joy to see the Royal National Mòd back in its home, in Oban, after nearly a decade. The Mòd plays a valuable cultural and economic role in Argyll and Bute, past, present and future. As a council, and as communities, we’re proud to support the event and welcome the thousands of talented people who will congregate in Oban over the next week to celebrate our Gaelic culture. I hope you enjoy some of the sights and hospitality of Argyll and Bute while you are with us. Best of luck in the events.”

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland, said: “We are proud to support the Royal National Mòd through EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme. The Royal National Mòd is an incredibly important and unique celebration of Gaelic language, culture, and music. It’s fantastic to hear about the engaging and inspirational programme of events, and that so many businesses have embraced the Mòd look and feel. We know that visitors and locals alike will be given the warmest of welcomes and be captivated by all that Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival has to offer.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “An Oban Mòd is always special and Bòrd na Gàidhlig would like to wish everyone involved across the town all the best for a wonderful week. It is always important to celebrate the work of people who have made significant contributions to Gaelic across our communities, and Margaret MacIver and Finlay MacLeod both deserve the recognition of being named Gaelic Ambassadors.”

In addition to the host of in-person events held across the week, a clutch of events will be livestreamed to Gaels around the world including this evening’s Mànran gig, Saturday night’s Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert and Monday and Tuesday evening’s Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of the Bands) finals. Highlights of flagship competitions will also be broadcast from Monday to Friday next week on BBC ALBA.

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

The Royal National Mòd takes place in Oban until 19 October 2024. Tickets for select events are on sale at https://ancomunn.eventbrite.co.uk/.

For more information, visit www.ancomunn.co.uk. The fringe programme is available to view here https://shorturl.at/2bvh5.

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