Seaside town hosts largest Royal National Mòd in five years

The 2024 Royal National Mòd concludes what has been the largest event of its kind in five years today. Musical talents from all over the country and beyond come together in the charming town of Oban bringing an end to the remarkable nine-day festival.

Spanning over 12 venues throughout the west coast town – known as the cradle of the Mòd – from 11 - 19 October, Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, sports, art, and culture saw approximately 10,000 visitors gather in the seaside town, an increase of 20% up on last year, and is estimated that it will have generated over £2 million for the local economy.

Attendees from London to Lewis descended on the town to watch as over 2,600 participants competed in over 200 competitions.

This morning’s Massed Choirs performance saw choirs who have competed across this week gather to sing in joyful unison as they paraded from this week’s flagship venue, the Corran Halls to Oban’s Station Square, accompanied by Oban High School Pipe Band.

Following the tradition, the Mòd flag was proudly passed to Lochaber, which will host the 2025 edition of the cherished festival, with Cllr Bremner receiving the flag on behalf of Highland Council.

Yesterday saw an impressive round of Area Choir Competitions take place in the town. The incredibly talented Oban Gaelic Choir, conducted by Sileas Sinclair, took home the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield for their fourth consecutive Mòd, making history at their hometown event and the birthplace of the Mòd as the first choir to win the title four years running.

The outstanding Govan Gaelic Choir lifted the Margrat Duncan Memorial Trophy, led by their talented conductor Kathryn Callender, who also hails from Oban. This Is the first time competing in the Margrat Duncan and they managed to take the title on their first attempt.

Royal National Mòd stalwart Kenny Thomson, was also honoured by An Comunn Gàdlealach with a special token of appreciation to mark his last Mòd as a conductor. The long-standing conductor of Glasgow Gaelic Choir (fondly known as the GGs), was recognised for his outstanding 41-year contribution to the choir.

Sileas Sinclair, Conductor of Oban Gaelic Choir, said: “We’re delighted and overwhelmed to have won in our home town – we can’t quite believe it. The first time we won when I took over as conductor was in Oban so it’s really special to win here again. I’m so proud of the choir, they have been so dedicated. This year we wanted to perform something new for Oban so we asked Alasdair Whyte to write something for us and that will always be ours. It’s been such a fantastic Mòd – from starting the week with amazing talented local musicians, to the choir winning in our home, it’s been amazing. I’m so proud to have such a great Mòd in Oban – the local committee and everyone involved have worked so hard to bring a brilliant Mòd here. I was brought up with the Mòd and I just love it. It’s been really special to take over the choir from my Dad and to make it happen with amazing people who are like family to me.”

Kathryn Callender, Conductor of Govan Gaelic Choir, said: “It feels fantastic to win today – it felt good up on the stage today and we were well prepared but you just never know when you go up how it’s going to go, all the ducks need to fall in a row. Massive amounts go into this event, we put a lot of work into our Gaelic. They’re just a fantastic bunch of singers and this means so much.”

The winner of the Mòd and Highland Society of London’s Highland Art Prize was also revealed yesterday afternoon at the Rockfield Centre. Jules Mather of Furnace in Argyll took the top prize with her painting entitled Travelling Alone. Her painting was selected from a shortlist of 12 pieces chosen by celebrated artist and teacher Ishbel Murray. As the winner, Jules Mather will have the opportunity to present her work in an exhibition at The Briggait in Glasgow, courtesy of Wasps Studios, the charity that provides studio spaces to artists and creators across Scotland.

The event will culminate in a grand finale tonight with a stellar sell-out performance by West Coast favourites Trail West, who are set to close the festival in spectacular fashion at the Corran Halls. Support comes from the 2022 double Mòd medallist Ruairidh Gray.

The nine-day event began with an electrifying concert by the multi award-winning trad supergroup Mànran whose dynamic performance and innovative fusion of traditional and modern sounds captivated audiences and set the bar high for the week.

The beloved Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert took place last Saturday. Musically directed by Sileas Sinclair and compered by John Joe MacNeil, the concert 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’.

A special book launch took place on Wednesday, 16 October, at the Rockfield Centre with social media star and baking sensation Coinneach MacLeod, also known as The Hebridean Baker. The event featured stories, songs, and an engaging session with Padruig MacQueen, The Hebridean Hutter.

Throughout the week, an exhibition celebrated the life and legacy of Jessie MacLachlan, the first Gaelic voice recorded on the gramophone in 1899. Curated by Mary Ann Kennedy and Priscilla Scott, the exhibition highlighted Jessie’s profound impact on the Royal National Mòd and her storied career as a global performer.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Oban proved to be the perfect host for the 2024 Mòd and showed what an incredible epicentre for Gaelic and Celtic culture it is. 132 years since the National Mòd was first hosted here and though much has changed, an enduring spirit and enthusiasm for Gaelic language and song remains incredibly strong. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all those that made this homecoming such a success – our valued partners and sponsors, local organisers, dedicated volunteers and the thousands of visitors, performers and competitors.

“We cannot wait to be back in the Highlands in 2025 and to head up the road to Lochaber for what I know will be another excellent event that will bring both cultural and economic benefits to the area.”

Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Congratulations to An Comunn Gàidhealach, organisers, volunteers, judges and participants associated with the 2024 National Mòd. It’s been a marvellous event and you’ve brought so much colour and joy to the town. I hope you all enjoy a much needed rest before preparations kick off for next year’s event in Lochaber. Best of luck everyone.”

Councillor Bremner of Highland Council said: “It is an honour and privilege to accept the Royal National Mòd flag for Lochaber and the Highlands. The Royal National Mòd was last hosted in Inverness in 2021, and we look forward to welcoming all the competitors and followers of the Mòd again to the region. We wish An Comunn Gàidhealach and the local organising committee every success with the 2025 Mòd.”

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland said: “The Royal National Mod is a wonderful celebration of Scotland’s vibrant Gaelic culture, and we are proud to have supported this year’s event as part of our diverse portfolio of events and festivals funded through our International Events Funding Programme.

“Events play an important role in our communities, allowing us to connect, share and enjoy memorable experiences. It is wonderful to see competitors and audiences from across the country and beyond, to enjoy this annual event that foresters a deep connection to the language, music and traditions that make Scotland unique.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Mòd for making it one to remember. The competitions were of a high standard, showcasing a wide range of Gaelic talent. A special thank you to Oban for your wonderful hospitality, underlining that community and togetherness are at the heart of this wonderful festival.”

Donald MacLeod, Convener of the Oban Mòd Local Organising Committee said: “We are delighted with Mòd an Òbain 2024! Not only has it been a fantastic celebration of our Gaelic heritage, it has once again shone a light on the incredible array of cultural riches we have in Oban and surrounding areas. We have so much to build on. We wanted to make this the best Mòd possible and as the event leaves its birthplace for a while, we thank everyone who helped make it such a resounding success – and wish our good friends up the road, all the very best for Mòd Lochaber 2025.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban was 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® returns to Lochaber in 2025, from 10 - 18 October.

For full results from across the week visit here.

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