Royal National Mòd News

The Royal National Mòd® calls on entries for Lochaber 2025

Published: 17 Feb 2025

Competitor with prize
2025 National Mòd entries are now open

​Organisers of the Royal National Mòd, the prestigious annual Gaelic language and cultural celebration, are calling on competition entries for this year’s event in Lochaber. Returning to Fort William and the surrounding areas from 10 - 18 October, this will be the ninth time the 133-year-old event has been held in the region. It first travelled to Lochaber in 1922 and 2025 marks eight years since its last visit.

The 2024 Mòd in Oban saw over 2,700 participants compete in over 200 competitions for what was the biggest Mòd in five years, and organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach hope to replicate that success this autumn.

Individuals and groups wishing to compete this year have until midnight on Saturday 31 May to submit their entries. Competitions span a huge range of categories including choral singing, accordion, fiddle, drama, Battle of the Bands, poetry and more.

The full list of competitions can be found in our syllabus here and entries submitted here.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We saw thousands of people competing at last year’s Mòd, contributing to the development of Gaelic in Scotland and showcasing the very best of our music and culture. The competitions are the backbone of this event and to see the camaraderie and sense of community between those taking part, and their sense of pride and joy, is always fantastic. Whether you are a long-time competitor or someone brand new to Gaelic and looking to get involved, I would encourage anyone to apply and come and be part of this significant Scottish event. We know Lochaber is always a fantastic host and we look forward to bringing the Mòd back there once again this October.”

Chair of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee, Cllr Calum Munro said: “Highland Council is delighted that the Mòd is returning to Lochaber where the community is renowned for its Gaelic and cultural heritage, especially in relation to traditional music. The Council supports the very important role the Mòd provides in promoting the use of Gaelic and the positive image for the language created by this flagship gathering of the Gaelic community. In addition to the competitions, the Mòd creates an important opportunity for speakers of all abilities to use Gaelic informally during the event and will contribute highly to the social, economic and cultural vibrancy of the Lochaber host community.”

The Royal National Mòd is held in a different Scottish town each year and is the country’s foremost festival for Gaelic language, sports, art and culture. Alongside the competitions, a burgeoning fringe programme sees concerts, workshops, talks and sessions take over venues across its host location. The 2024 edition welcomed around 9,000 attendees and generated a £3.6 million economic uplift for Oban.

The Royal National Mòd returns to Lochaber in 2025, from 10 - 18 October. Competition entries close on Saturday 31 May. Entries can be made here.

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