ACG Newsletter
Published: 20 Dec 2024
Here is a link to our last newsletter for 2024.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
John Macleod Memorial Festival 2025
Published: 17 Dec 2024
The John Macleod Memorial Festival will return early next year, with the annual Memorial Lecture taking place on Thursday 30th January, followed by a string of events over the weekend which will celebrate Gaelic language, community and culture in Edinburgh.
Duncan MacLeod will present the Memorial Lecture- “Thoughts of a Linguist- What does language decay tell us abut Gaelic?”
An Comunn Gàidhealach has been hosting this event in partnership with Edinburgh University since 2019, when the John Macleod Memorial Lecture took place for the first time.
Throughout his life, John Macleod was heavily involved in Gaelic development work in Edinburgh. He became President of An Comunn Gàidhealach in 2017 and continued in that role for 10 years. In 1996 he re-launched the Edinburgh branch of An Comunn Gàidhealach and in 2017 he was presented the “Sàr Ghàidheal” award from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, for his work and dedication to the Gaelic language. Having also worked as a police man his whole working life, he spent his whole life in public service.
We plan to livestream the lecture on our Facebook and / or YouTube pages.
On Friday 31st January:
- Writing workshop, with Niall O’Gallagher, Gaelic Writer-in-residence, the University of Edinburgh
- Panel Discussion on the Scottish Languages Bill, with questions
- Famous Gaels of Edinburgh: Gaels and ‘friends of the Gaels’ who were buried in the Dean Cemetery
- Bothan Dhùn Èideann: Cèilidh at Scottish Storytelling Centre, 7:30pm
Saturday 1st February: Walking Tour, Dean Cemetery
Sunday 2nd February at 12:30: John MacLeod Memorial Service, Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh
Keep an eye on our website and social media in the coming weeks for more details.
ACG Newsletter
Published: 02 Dec 2024
Seo agaibh an iris as ùire den chuairt-litir againn.
¦ Here is the latest issue of our newsletter:
ACG Newsletter
Published: 12 Nov 2024
Here’s the latest issue of our newsletter, which features news and photos from this year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban!
Sruth is Back!
Published: 11 Oct 2024
Cothrom do dh’òigridh a thighinn a bhruidhinn ri cuid de na rionnagan as ainmeil air a’ Ghàidhealtachd. Thigibh ann is coinnichibh ri aghaidhean ainmeil, faighibh a-mach mun obair agus na cur-seachadan aca - bu thoigh leotha bhith a’ cabadaich ribh sa Ghàidhlig!
An opportunity for young people to come and chat with some of Gaeldom’s best known stars. Come along and meet some well known faces, find out about their work, their hobbies and interests - they would love to have a blether with you in Gaelic!
Monday 14 & Tuesday 15 October | 10am-3pm | Argyllshire Gathering Hall
Cuiribh fios gu ¦ Contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk to register or for further information!
ACG Newsletter
Published: 03 Oct 2024
Here is the latest issue of our newsletter. Not long to go now until this year’s Royal National Mòd kicks off - we hope to see you there!
ACG Newsletter
Published: 27 Jul 2024
Here is the latest issue of the An Comunn Gàidhealach newsletter.
If you would like to contribute to a future issue, get in touch!
ACG Newsletter
Published: 02 Jul 2024
The latest issue of the An Comunn newsletter can be viewed here.
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue of the newsletter, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
ACG Newsletter
Published: 30 May 2024
1 DAY LEFT TO ENTER!
You have until TOMORROW to enter this year’s Royal National Mod competitions! Remember, all own choices pieces are to be submitted by then as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Here’s this month’s issue of our newsletter, with lots of info on how to enter competitions etc. Good luck!
Junior Literary Competitions
Published: 10 May 2024
Great Prizes to be Won!
- Echo Show
- Art Bundle
- Gift Voucher
Write a short story, news article or poem or create an art poster and submit by Friday 31 May 2024! You can submit a piece of work you have already created in class!
Go on, take part in this year’s Mòd Literature competitions!
ACG Newsletter
Published: 30 Apr 2024
The April issue of our newsletter is now available to view here: https://bit.ly/3JHrrLm
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
Fergie MacDonald MBE, 1938 - 2024
Published: 24 Apr 2024
An Comunn Gàidhealach are very sad to hear of the death of Fergie MacDonald, ‘The Cèilidh King’ as he was known to many. He played at many Mòds and was an ambassador to the Gaelic language and Highland musical culture. He uplifted and brought happiness to all in the audience when he played his accordion, which was seldom not in his hands.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with Fergie’s friends and family at this difficult time.
Obituary in Gaelic with pictures on BBC Naidheachdan site.
ACG Newsletter
Published: 29 Mar 2024
The latest issue of the An Comunn newsletter can be viewed here.
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
Norma McDougall
Published: 29 Mar 2024
An Comunn Gàidhealach are saddened that Norma McDougall passed away last week. She was a great support to the Mòd, giving her time voluntarily to accompany competitors on the piano for many years.
There will be a service for Norma on Wednesday 10th April, 12 noon at The Clyde Coast & Garnock Valley Crematorium on the A760 Largs to Kilbirnie Rd. KA24 5LE.
Attire: black is not necessary.
You are invited to donate to the charity Myeloma UK, Norma endured multiple myeloma for nearly 22 years.
CHOIR COMPETITION CONSULTATION
Published: 01 Mar 2024
As many of you will be aware, a consultation on the structure of the Royal National Mòd choir competitions is now underway.
This is an opportunity for choir conductors, members and Gaelic readers to share their views on ways in which this much-loved event can be positively developed for all.
The consultation is an open process which is taking place in direct collaboration with Gaelic choirs.
This is the first time in 100 years practical steps forward have been taken to review the structure of these competitions. With this comes a great opportunity to ensure the format is reflective of our Gaelic community and more inclusive, whilst still upholding the tradition, advancing Gaelic competence and ensuring the competitions’ longevity for future generations.
A number of areas are being potentially reviewed as part of the consultation process, including the inclusion of new material and a more progressive learning framework for choir members. Following a thorough analysis of the information and views provided, a decision will be taken whether to implement certain changes, carry out an ongoing review or reject any updates and maintain the status quo. No changes will be made until 2025 at the earliest.
We are grateful to everyone taking part in this consultation process and recognise how beloved these competitions are to the entire Mòd community. We look forward to seeing our choral events and the Gaelic language continue to thrive and be celebrated.
ACG Newsletter
Published: 01 Mar 2024
The latest issue of our newsletter is available here.
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
Tapadh leibh!
New Mòd for Dingwall confirmed at national Gaelic gathering.
Published: 29 Feb 2024
Scotland’s Local Mòds are set to come together for the first time as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2024, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and celebration of Gaelic culture, as well as the launch of a brand new Mòd in Dingwall.
The first gathering of its kind organised by An Comunn, the joint conference, entitled Local Mòds Today and In the Future, will take place on Saturday 24 February at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. The collaborative event stands as a testament to the growing importance of Gaelic cultural activity and community engagement across the country.
Local Mòds, or Provincial Mods, play a vital role in Scottish culture as vibrant hubs where Gaelic heritage thrives. These local events provide a platform for both junior and senior competitors to showcase their talents in various disciplines such as song, poetry, dance, and music, often serving as a stepping stone for the Royal National Mòd which takes place in a different Scottish town in October each year.
World Gaelic Week provides a fitting backdrop for representatives from each Local Mòd to come together in collaboration, at a time when there is a global focus on the celebration and promotion of the language.
As well as discussions around each of Scotland’s 18 Local Mòds’ successes and challenges and how each can be regulated to a national standard in the future, and an adult singing class, the gathering will also see the launch of Mòd Iondail Inbhir Pheofharain, which translates to Dingwall Provincial Mòd. As part of the event, pupils from schools such as Dingwall, Tain, Ullapool, Gairloch and Inverness, as well as further afield, will be able to compete and learn together through Gaelic music and song.
Set to take place on Saturday 7 September 2024, the brand new local Mòd will feature a partnership between An Comunn and Fèis Rois, offering non-competitive musical activities alongside traditional competitions. This latest collaboration underlines the commitment of Gaelic organisations to work together in promoting Scotland’s rich heritage and culture in ways which are both fun and accessible for all.
Prizes for the September celebration will include a recording session at Rosecroft Studio for the Senior Pupils Solo Singing competition, generously provided by Highland Council and presented by their Gaelic Committee Member and Dingwall resident, Margaret Paterson. Fèis Rois is also donating places for pupils at their Easter Weekend Feis, offering further opportunities for engagement with Gaelic culture.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn, said: “Scotland’s Local Mòds are not just stepping stones for aspiring competitors, but are also vital promoters of Gaelic culture and heritage within our communities. We’re delighted to bring these vital local groups together under one roof and hope this new event will foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among Gaelic enthusiasts and only increase buy-in to this year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban. This collective effort reflects the shared commitment to preserving and nurturing Gaelic traditions across Scotland. As a united front, we can ensure the continued flourishing of our rich Gaelic heritage for generations to come. I would also like to congratulate the team in Dingwall on the launch of their new event. It’s heartening to see Local Mòds thriving in this way and I have no doubt Gaelic speakers, learners and music lovers in the area will benefit from its activities greatly.”
Steven MacIver, Chair of Meur Inbhir Pheofharain (Dingwall Local Branch of An Comunn Gàidhealach), said: “The local committee and I are delighted to be working to re-establish the Dingwall Provincial Mòd which hasn’t taken place in about 20 years. Our main focus is to offer another platform for children, both in Gaelic-medium education and Gaelic learner education, to use the Gaelic language and develop their fluency outwith the classroom. The Mòd provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the rich history and culture through friendly competition and we want to provide everyone, but in particular the next generation of Gaelic speakers, this precious opportunity. It is exciting to see such support from the local community in re-establishing the local Mòd and we very much look forward to working in partnership with others to create a successful event that will continue to drive the development of the Gaelic language.”
With representatives from each of Scotland’s Local Mòds invited to attend, the Local Mòds Today and In the Future conference will also launch a new Digital Support Pack for Local Mòds. This resource will contain sample templates for committees to use when setting up or developing their Mods, as well as valuable information on An Comunn, funding, insurance, venues, adjudicators and more, facilitating the smooth organisation and operation of these vital cultural events.
Local Mod Conference
Published: 27 Feb 2024
The inaugural Local Mod Conference was held at Eden Court in Inverness on February 24th and Local Mod delegates from across Scotland were in attendance. The Conference was opened by An Comunn Gàidhealach President, Maggie Cunningham. As well as providing an opportunity to get together and catch up on the latest Mòd news, delegates also had the chance to listen to inspirational talks from speakers across the Gaelic spectrum. Steven Kellow from Bòrd na Gàidhlig discussed Funding and how to effectively complete application forms. Fiona Dalgety, Chief Executive of Feis Rois talked passionately about community engagement and was later joined by Nicola Simpson and Abi Reid of Feisean nan Gaidheal who talked about volunteer engagement. Alex Tearse of Reefnet, explained how the Royal National Mòd marking systems work and demonstrated the online entry systems. James Graham, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealahc, discussed the streamlining of syllabus and adjudication issues.
Councillor Margaret Paterson representing The Highland Council presented a new prize of a day’s studio recording , to launch the new Dingwall Local Mòd, set to be held in September this year. Also launched was the new logo for the Dingwall Local Mòd and prizes were presented to the two young winners of the ‘Design a Logo’ competition, Lewis Stewart and Anna Calder.
Thanks must go to all who attended and we hope that they found the day interesting and useful. Thanks also to all the speakers and to the staff of Eden Court. We hope that this will become a regular event and provide a forum for Local Mòds to discuss their challenges and how to develop their Mòds themselves.
THANK YOU
Published: 05 Feb 2024
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who took part in and who attended the John Macleod Memorial Festival over the weekend. We had a fantastic schedule of events taking place in Edinburgh! Special thanks to the team at The University of Edinburgh and Bothan Dhùn Èideann for their assistance with organising the events. See you all next year!
Mòran taing dhuibh uile.
CLOSING AT 5PM TODAY! ⏰
Published: 02 Feb 2024
You have until 5pm today to apply for this position. Should you have any questions, please contact
Apply here:
TONIGHT!
Published: 01 Feb 2024
We are all set for tonight and really looking forward to Katie’s talk this evening! If you can’t join us, don’t worry, we will be livestreaming the event via the Royal National Mod Facebook page!
ACG Newsletter
Published: 01 Feb 2024
Here is the latest issue of the newsletter. Should you wish to contribute to a future issue of the newsletter, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk.
Arts, music and literature join Gaelic advocate’s memorial lecture
Published: 01 Feb 2024
Gaelic language and culture will be celebrated through a series of events as part of the John MacLeod Memorial Festival.
The events will celebrate Gaelic language and are open to all, from novices to those with a deep interest in all things Scottish Gaelic. Music performances and book talks are among the line-up of free events taking place during the expanded programme between Thursday 1 and Sunday 4 February 2024.
Memorial Lecture
This year’s Memorial Lecture opens the programme and will explore how opportunities and progression in the Gaelic community has changed over the years. The lecture will be delivered by Katie MacInnes, director of Gaelic marketing and media agency Astar Media and board member of Comunn na Gàidhlig, an organisation that promotes Scottish Gaelic language and culture.
Celebrating Gaelic
The fringe events will launch with a writing workshop hosted by eminent Gaelic singer-songwriter, Gillebrìde MacMillan, and the University of Edinburgh’s Gaelic Writer in Residence, Martin MacIntyre on Friday 2 February. On Saturday, events will take place to commemorate 300 years since the birth of Gaelic poet Duncan Ban Macintyre (Donnchadh Bàn Mac an t-Saoir), writer of the famous Gaelic poem, Moladh Beinn Dòbhrainn - In Praise of Ben Doran. A talk on the poet’s works will be given by the University’s Dr Anja Gunderloch, Lecturer in Celtic, and Professor Rob Dunbar, Chair of Celtic, followed by a walking tour of sites connected to his time living in Scotland’s capital. Elsewhere, attendees can enjoy two evenings of music and ceilidh dancing in collaboration with local Gaelic arts organisations Bothan Dhùn Èideann and Comunn Tìr nam Beann. The events series will draw to a close with a Sunday Gaelic church service at Greyfriars Kirk, conducted by Roddy John MacLeod.
John MacLeod
The John MacLeod Memorial Lecture was established in 2019, following the death of John MacLeod (Iain MacLeòid), a former president of An Comunn Gàidhealach. Originally from Lewis, MacLeod was active in the Gaelic community of Edinburgh, working to promote the language and culture. The series – hosted by the University of Edinburgh and An Comunn Gàidhealach – builds on MacLeod’s work to continue to create opportunities for Gaelic use in the city.
James Graham, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Edinburgh has a vibrant Gaelic community and we hope this expanded events series will get as many people involved as possible to celebrate Gaelic language, arts and culture and honour the memory of John MacLeod and the tireless work he did for the language.”
Rob Dunbar, Professor of Celtic at the University of Edinburgh said: “It is once again a pleasure and an honour to collaborate with An Comunn Gàidhealach to remember the life and work of John MacLeod, a true hero of the Gaelic world, and I’m sure our good friend Iain would have been delighted that the annual lecture has turned into an even wider celebration of the language and culture.”
Talk by Katie MacInnes
Published: 18 Jan 2024
THE JOHN MACLEOD MEMORIAL LECTURE
Presented by Katie MacInnes
01/01/2024 @ 7f/pm
The Project Room, The University of Edinburgh
‘One Croft, Many Opportunities – Considering opportunity and progress in the Gaelic community as it was in the past and how it is today’.
Fèill Chuimhneachaidh Iain MhicLeòid
Published: 18 Jan 2024
We will be bringing you a selection of fantastic events in Edinburgh as part of the John Macleod Memorial Festival.
We hope you can join us!
For further information email info@ancomunn.co.uk or give us a call on 01463 709 705
ACG Newsletter
Published: 22 Dec 2023
Here is our final newsletter of 2023. Thank you for all your support throughout this year. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
ACG Newsletter
Published: 02 Dec 2023
Here is our latest issue of the newsletter. Have a lovely weekend! Ma tha naidheachdan sam bith agaibh airson an ath iris, cuiribh fios gu marina@ancomunn.co.uk.
ACG Newsletter
Published: 11 Nov 2023
Here is a link to the latest issue of the An Comunn Gàidhealach newsletter. Have a lovely weekend!
Offices Closed this week
Published: 25 Oct 2023
Tha na h-oifisean againn dùinte an t-seachdain seo. Bidh sinn fosgailte a-rithist bho Diluain 30mh den Dàmhair.
Both our offices are closed this week. We will re-open on Monday 30th of October.
Thank You!
Published: 25 Oct 2023
Well, we hope you enjoyed the week – we have absolutely loved it! Thank you all for joining us for the Royal National Mod 2023 in Paisley! A special thanks to our funders, organisations that have been working with us over the past few months and of course, all the volunteers who gave up their time to ensure the delivery of such a huge event. We’d be lost without you!
Remember, you can see a selection of photos that were captured throughout the Mòd here: https://www2.ancomunn.co.uk/2023/1
See you all next year in Oban!
Gold Medallists 2023!
Published: 19 Oct 2023
Seo agaibh na buannaichean sna Farpaisean Chrìochnachaidh a’ Bhuinn Òir 2023: Emma Sgalpaigh agus Iain MacCarmaig! Mealaibh ur naidheachd! The winners of this year’s Gold Medal Finals are Emma MacLeod and Iain Cormack! Huge congratulations!
Silver Pendant Winner 2023!
Published: 19 Oct 2023
The winner of the Silver Pendant competition this year is Theresa Irving! Congratulations!
The ballot for the Gold Medal Final
Published: 18 Oct 2023
Tonight at 19:30
1. Isabelle Bain
2. Pàdraig Mac a’ Phearsain
3. Emma Nicleòid
4. John Boa
5. Julie-Anne MacFadyen
6. Fergus Muir
7. Marina NicLeòid
8. Iain MacCarmaig
BATTLE OF THE BANDS FINAL - TUESDAY EVENING!
Published: 17 Oct 2023
A competition showcasing the emerging talent on the Gaelic and traditional music scene. The winning band will receive a prize of studio time with JJ Recordings Studio, Paisley.
https://renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com/.../1173647080
2023 Mòd Phàislig photos
Published: 16 Oct 2023
You can view a selection of photos that have been taken this week at Mòd Phàislig, here. Keep checking for more photos from the days to come!
https://www2.ancomunn.co.uk/2023/1
Sruth is Back!
Published: 16 Oct 2023
Back again this year at the Mòd is Sruth, where young folk (both fluent Gaelic speakers or those who are learning) can get the chance to chat and hang out with some of the best and brightest young Gaels, including Somhairle MacIain (of TikTok fame) and Christy O’ Hanlon (the Big Gaels Don’t Cry Podcast). That’s taking place on Monday and Tuesday of Mòd week at Paisley Town Hall. Be sure to pop in!
Paisley welcomes The Royal National Mòd 2023 as new Gaelic Ambassador announced
Published: 13 Oct 2023
The prestigious event returns to the Renfrewshire town for the first time since 2013
The Royal National Mòd makes its highly anticipated return to Paisley today, returning to Paisley for the first time in 10 years.
The Mòd 2023, which runs until Saturday 21st October, is set to bring fans of Gaelic music and culture together once again to celebrate the language, history and future of the Gaels.
An incredible opening night concert featuring MG Alba Folk Band of the Year Breabach will take place this evening for what will be the first full-scale concert to take place at Paisley Town Hall since its reopening.
Around 7,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Renfrewshire town over the coming nine days to soak up the vast range of performances, competitions, recitals and cultural activities on offer.
Around 2,000 participants will take part in a total of 200 competitions, with stages, halls and libraries in over 20 venues across Paisley and its surrounding areas bursting to life for the event which is expected to generate in excess of £2
million to Paisley’s economy.
To mark the opening of this year’s event, organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach have announced the Gaelic Ambassador of the Year. The annual Scottish Government honour is this year being awarded to celebrated Gaelic singer, researcher and broadcaster Linda MacLeod.
Originally from North Uist and now based in Glasgow, Gaelic was songstress Linda Macleod’s first language. She studied Gaelic at the University of Glasgow, graduating with a first class honours degree in 2010. Linda researched Gaelic songs associated with her family and native homeland, and went on to continue this work, gaining an MPhil in Gaelic in 2011.
Since then, Gaelic language has been at the centre of Linda’s professional life. She has worked with the University of Glasgow’s Celtic and Gaelic Department, Glasgow’s Gaelic arts organisation An Lòchran, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, The Gaelic Books Council and freelanced on a number of Gaelic media, teaching, singing and community projects.
Over the years she has presented and voiced many BBC ALBA programmes and now works part-time as a presenter on CBeebies ALBA. Linda has been Comhairle nan Leabhraichean’s Young Gaelic Reading Ambassador since 2016 and in 2015 was awarded Bòrd na Gàidhlig and The Daily Record’s Young Gaelic Ambassador of the Year award. In June 2023 she was named on the Saltire Society’s inaugural ‘40 under 40’ list, for her contribution to the Gaelic language.
Linda MacLeod said: “It is a huge honour and a lovely surprise to be named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year. The Gaelic language has been a constant in my life and is very important to me, without it I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d be up to today. I have been very fortunate to have worked on various Gaelic projects and with every age in the community. I have learnt so much from kind, encouraging people who have helped me over the years and from my own family too, and I am so grateful for all their help. This award has encouraged me to learn more from these people and to be involved in other projects in the future. The Gaelic language is very dear to me and I’m proud and thankful that it is such a big part of my life.”
This evening will see the Mòd’s joyous programme of performances and competition kick off with an incredible opening concert headlined by one of Scotland’s most skilled and imaginary contemporary acts Breabach. The multi-award-winning Lochaber five-piece will be delighting audiences with a raft of material from their celebrated back catalogue.
The first ever Mòd Festival Club will burst into life tonight at The Sneddon. The relaxed sessions will provide a place for attendees and musicians alike to socialise and soak up the festival atmosphere throughout the week, with the Graham McLennan Trio first up to entertain Paisley audiences.
The town’s pubs will also play host to some lively trad music from artists around the world over the nine days for the Mòd Phàislig 2023 Late and Live programme. It all kicks off tonight with Canadian folk duo Pierre Schryer & Adam Dobres playing in The Bungalow, Celtic folk fusion band Reely Jiggered getting a ceilidh going at The Old Swan and Irish-Scottish folk duo Fuaim getting toes tapping at The Keg.
Across the following nine days, the festival will showcase a diverse programme of exciting live competitions and fringe concerts.
Competition highlights include the An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal final on Wednesday 19th October and the Traditional Gold Medal final on Thursday 20th October. The Combined Rural Choirs’ Competitions and Combined Area Choirs’ Competitions will also return on Thursday and Friday next week bringing choral singers from across Scotland together, while the event’s Fringe programme sees everything from history-making sporting clashes to late-night pub sessions and concerts from the brightest talent across the Gaeldom.
Tomorrow will see competition get underway for pipers, fiddle players, accordionists and more and shinty return to Renfrewshire, while the Mòd Football Cup will see two fluent Gaelic-speaking teams, Gàidheil Ghlaschu and Na Gàidheil, play off against one another for the first time since the annual match launched in Perth in 2004.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome faces old and new to The Royal National Mòd in Paisley. It’s wonderful to officially get this year’s event underway with
the incredible sounds of Breabach at such a special venue like Paisley Town Hall. It’s been a decade since we brought the Mòd to Paisley and the town has already shown such warmth and enthusiasm for hosting this event once again. We
appreciate locals welcoming us honorary ‘buddies’ for the next nine days as we bring our music, culture, friendship and hospitality to the streets, pubs, libraries, venues and concert halls of Renfrewshire.
This is Maggie Cunningham’s first year overseeing the Mòd as An Comunn Gàidhealach’s new President, having taken the role in the association responsible for the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic language earlier this year.
Maggie Cunningham, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach, added: “ I’m very much looking forward to my Mòd as President. Once again the event will showcase the national and international importance and profile of the Gaelic language, provide an important opportunity for Gaels and Gaelic supporters to come together in celebration, share the significant cultural benefits of the event with musicians, artists and audience members alike and have a positive impact on the economy of our host town of Paisley.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “It’s great to see the Royal National Mòd return to Paisley for the first time in ten years and I’d like to pay tribute to everyone who worked so hard to make this possible. I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be a lively and memorable Mòd that celebrates the very best of our rich Gaelic culture. I would also like to congratulate An Comunn Gàidhealach for its excellent choice of Linda MacLeod as Gaelic Ambassador for 2023.”
Renfrewshire Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “The banners and bunting are up across town, and we’re all excited and ready to get Mòd Phàislig underway. There’s a fantastic programme of events and performances for everyone to enjoy – whether they have a passion for Gaelic culture or if they’ve never engaged with the language and music before. The whole community has been involved in preparations from our local businesses and volunteers to our school pupils and I can’t wait to see the town full of buzz and excitement with visitors and locals enjoying everything this jam-packed festival has to offer.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “EventScotland is once again delighted to be supporting the Royal National Mòd through our International Programme. Returning to Paisley for the first time in 10 years, the city will provide the perfect stage for these piping festivities alongside the usual packed programme celebrating Gaelic language and culture. Events play an important part in our communities by offering visitors and locals the chance to come together and share memorable experiences. I’m sure Renfrewshire will provide its renowned warm welcome as visitors come to the area from far and wide to enjoy this uniquely Scottish event.”
Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig is looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic celebration of Gaelic in Paisley. We are delighted to be a major supporter of this event and the wide range of cultural and community opportunities available is testament to the hard work of An Comunn Gàidhealach and the local Mòd team. A special congratulations to Linda MacLeod as she is named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year – well deserved recognition of all her hard work in supporting, entertaining, and encouraging young Gaelic speakers.”
Royal National Mod Harp Concert
Published: 12 Oct 2023
Royal National Mod Harp Concert
The Royal National Mòd harp competitions this year are on Wednesday the 18th October 2023 in The Wynd Centre, Paisley.
After the harp competitions there will be a concert at 5pm in The Wynd Centre: this concert will include the prize winners, all the ensembles, duets and many more musical moments!
Please do stay for the concert if you can as it’s a lovely opportunity to hear people perform again and to listen to others whom you may not have heard!
ACG Newsletter
Published: 03 Oct 2023
The latest issue of our newsletter is available here. This issue is packed with details of what’s scheduled for this year’s Royal National Mod in October - enjoy!
To contribute to a future issue of our newsletter, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
Mod Programmes Available
Published: 11 Sep 2023
You can now purchase the official Mòd Programme from our offices in Stornoway and Inverness and also from the Gaelic Books Council in Glasgow.
You can view the Mòd Fringe programme online here.
To purchase tickets for official Mòd events please click here.
Mòd Phàislig presents: Cleith - Secret Gig!
Published: 07 Sep 2023
Mòd Phàislig presents: Cleith
A one-off, secret gig with one of Gaeldom’s most renowned acts. Join us for an exciting evening of traditional Scottish music and song.
Sign up now to secure your ticket for this exclusive, free gig! The venue and artist will be revealed to ticket holders on the day of the event…
ACG Newsletter
Published: 07 Sep 2023
The latest issue of the An Comunn Gaidhealach newsletter is available here.
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
Mod Programme Available Now!
Published: 05 Sep 2023
The Official Competition Programme and Fringe Programme for Mòd Phàislig 2023 are now both available online!
Click here to view them now: www.modphaislig.com/whats-on
Who else is starting to get that Mòd feeling?
Family fun at the forefront of Paisley Mòd 2023
Published: 24 Aug 2023
Family fun will be at the heart of this year’s Royal National Mòd, with more activities for children and families on offer than ever before.
Scotland’s premier Gaelic cultural event returns to Paisley between 13 – 21 October 2023, with special performances, exciting competitions, sporting clashes, workshops for all ages and cèilidhs taking place across the town and surrounding area.
The event celebrates Scotland’s linguistic and cultural heritage and this year is going the extra mile to engage children and young people, giving them the chance to be exposed to and learn Gaelic through a range of fun activities and giving more advanced and native speakers the chance to champion their language and meet fellow speakers of all ages.
As the summer holidays draw to a close, we’re highlighting the top events to get involved in during the October break in and around Paisley as part of this year’s Mòd.
Welcome Cèilidh
On Thursday 19th October, The Tannahill Centre will stage the Welcome Cèilidh – a warm, welcoming multi-cultural ceilidh for communities from all cultures to share stories in their native languages, mixed with Gaelic. The event will be hosted by School of African Cultures in partnership with local community groups Pachedu and Inspiring Families.
Sruth “Buainidh Aon Fhacal Ceud”
The Sruth drop-in events offer young people the chance to chat with some of Gaeldom’s best-known stars at Skinnedars, Paisley Town Hall on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th October. Only the second year it’s run, the informal event will
let young Gaelic speakers engage in conversation with well-known Gaelic faces including acclaimed singer and BBC Alba broadcaster, Ellen MacDonald and Lewis radio personality and TikToker Mark Smith.
Children’s Cèilidhs
Running on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th October at UWS Students’ Union, the Children’s Cèilidhs are set to be fun for all the family, with music, games, dancing, and a café bar with a special kids menu. These events are supported and delivered by Comunn na Gàidhlig with Fèis Phàislig.
Gaelic Kids Club with Fèis Phàislig
Running from Monday 16th - Friday 20th October, Cluicheamaid, which is Gaelic for ‘Let Us Play’, is a dynamic kids club that offers a fun experience of traditional music and Gaelic culture for young people.
Each day will have an original theme and sessions will involve a mix of games, music, arts and crafts, singing and dancing. Children do not need to have any previous experience of Gaelic language to join these free sessions which will take place at venues across Renfrewshire, with morning sessions for 4-7 year olds and afternoon events for 8-12s.
Gaelic Bookbug
Gaelic Bookbug provides songs, smiles and stories with a Gaelic twist for young book lovers at sessions in libraries around Paisley for the duration of the Mòd week, Monday 16th - Friday 20th October.
Spooky Samhain Family Cèilidh
On Saturday 21st October there will be a chance to celebrate Halloween and the Samhain Festival in the Gaelic tradition with an afternoon family cèilidh led by Fèis Phàislig. Circus skills, kids entertainment, games and arts and crafts will be on offer, and dressing up is strongly encouraged.
Gaelic Circus Skills Workshop
Children aged 6-12 years will have the chance to try their hand at some circus skills and learn or practice a bit of Gaelic at this free workshop taking place at Community Circus Paisley on Monday 16th October.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We’re so pleased that Mòd Phàislig will be hosting such a wide array of events for children and families this October. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people
in Renfrewshire to get involved with the Mòd, speak and learn Gaelic, pick up new skills and make new friends in a fun and welcoming environment during the school holidays.
“We would encourage people to plan ahead and book the sessions they would like to attend in advance, and to take advantage of the wealth of activities available across the town and wider region. Whether you’re a Gaelic learner or native looking for new opportunities, there really is something for everyone at this year’s Mòd.”
Renfrewshire Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “There is so much for people to enjoy at this year’s Mòd. The activities not only offer the opportunity for families to have fun together during the October school holidays but also to learn more about Gaelic culture and language. I’d encourage everyone to head along to the events taking place and get involved in the town’s Mòd celebrations.”
The Royal National Mòd celebrates the Gaelic language and Scottish traditional music, song, drama, literature, art and sport. Hundreds of musicians and artists will take to stages, halls and libraries in over 20 venues across Paisley and its surrounding areas during the nine-day event when it returns to the Renfrewshire town for the first time in ten years.
The Royal National Mòd is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Renfrewshire Council, The Scottish Government, HIE, Creative Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, The Reeling and SQA.
To find out more about Mòd Phàislig events and to book tickets, visit www.modphaislig.com.
ACG Newsletter - July 2023
Published: 01 Aug 2023
The July issue of our newsletter is available to view here.
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
ACG Newsletter
Published: 04 Jul 2023
That latest issue of our newsletter is now available. To contribute to a future issue of the newsletter, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
Paisley Mòd shares vibrant programme that promotes Gaelic for all
Published: 04 Jul 2023
A sensational, dynamic and inclusive programme of concerts, events, exhibitions and workshops has been unveiled for the Royal National Mòd which returns to Paisley between 13 – 21 October 2023.
Scotland’s premier Gaelic cultural event will celebrate the language and Scottish traditional music, song, drama, literature, art and sport.
Hundreds of musicians and artists will take to stages, halls and libraries in over 20 venues across Paisley and its surrounding areas during the nine-day event when it returns to the Renfrewshire town for the first time in ten years.
Mòd Phàislig will get underway with the Cuirm-Fosglaidh a’ Mhòid 2023 (Mòd 2023 Opening Concert) at Paisley Town Hall on Friday 13th October, featuring contemporary folk act, Breabach. The five-piece, who are currently Folk Band of the Year, will be one of the first acts to take to the stage of the newly refurbished Renfrewshire venue.
The hall will also play host to an unforgettable night of traditional music and Gaelic culture showcasing young talent from Renfrewshire and beyond for Ar Cànan ‘s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) on Saturday 14th October. Fèis Phàislig youngsters and the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band will put on a show-stopping performance, whilst The Glasgow Gaelic Choir will be joined by some of Scotland’s finest Gaelic singers including Ainsley Hamill, Deirdre Graham and Joy Dunlop. Kilbarchan Pipe Band and Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair will also make an appearance on the show’s fantastic bill.
A specially created show launching the reworked Gaelic song collection of Frances Tolmie: Gun Sireadh Gun Iarraidh, will also take place at Paisley Town Hall on Tuesday, 17th October.
Tolmie’s iconic collection of songs have been passed down, reimagined and reshaped over many years, and are being brought together in one special collection by Kenna Campbell and Ainsley Hamill. The pair will be joined
by others who have used Tolmie with their own repertoire and style, including Ceitlin Lilidh, Mischa Macpherson, Màiri Callan, James Graham, Rachel Walker, Mary Ann Kennedy, Wilma Kennedy and Seumas Campbell.
They will be accompanied by a Scottish folk all-star house band.
There will also be an opportunity to connect with Gaelic outdoors - thanks to a Gaelic Nature Walk at Paisley’s Fountain Gardens led by Alasdair Whyte and developed in partnership with local community development organisation STAR Project. On Sunday 15th October, participants will be able to experience Paisley’s oldest public gardens, discover Gaelic folklore and learn Gaelic names for the trees, plants, animals, birds and features in the park.
Workshops are also on the programme, with Gaelic speaker and traditional musician Evie Waddell hosting Fàilte Gu British Sign Language (BSL) (Welcome to BSL) on Friday 20th October. Joined by a team of d/Deaf performers, Evie will help participants learn some Gaelic signed song and rhythmic traditional step dance in what is set to be a joyful cultural exchange that will be open to all. A vibrant show will follow at Paisley Town Hall that evening, using traditional songs and stories, sign and dance, to explore the relationships between Scottish culture, Gaelic and BSL.
There will be a varied and extensive programme for families across the week with activity taking place in venues right across Renfrewshire. Struth will return on the Monday and Tuesday, giving young people the opportunity to chat with some of Gaeldom’s best-known stars, while week-long Mòd Kids Clubs and day sessions led by Fèis Phàislig, and local partners such as Lochwinnoch Arts Festival and Erskine Arts, will fill the October school holidays with a raft of activity.
Gaelic Bookbug will run at libraries in Linwood, Foxbar, Ralston, Johnstone and Glenburn, while children’s ceilidhs will take place at the UWS Students’ Union on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th October.
Later in the week, The Tannahill Centre will stage the Fàilte Cèilidh– a warm welcoming multi-cultural ceilidh for communities from all cultures to share stories in their native languages, mixed with Gaelic. The event on Thursday 19th October ill be hosted by School of African Cultures in partnership with local community groups Pachedu and Inspiring Families.
As Halloween nears and the Mòd draws to a close, Saturday 21st October will see a Spooky Samhain Family Cèilidh at UWS Students’ Union. This Halloween themed cèilidh for all the family, led by Fèis Phàislig, will celebrate Halloween and the Samhain festival in Paisley’s famous fashion.
The coveted sport events will also bring the Mòd’s programme of activity to the King George V Playing Fields on Saturday 14th October. The sport of the Gaels, shinty, will be played by men’s, women’s and youth teams in hotly contested finals, while the Football Mòd Cup will see two teams with Gaelic roots battle it out. While Sunday 15th October sees Paisley Abbey welcome the Mòd Church Service.
The celebrations are set to go into the wee hours and spill out into businesses across the town, with the Mòd Festival Club being held at The Sneddon. The Paisley pub will welcome a variety of pop-up live music sessions and entertainment each day of the festival and give event goers a chance to catch up after the day’s festivities.
The much-loved Bungalow will host the Mòd Late & Live at The Bungalow, which will let visitors experience live traditional and Gaelic music from some of the best names on the scene. The Swan and The Keg will also be home to lively pub sessions throughout the week of the event.
The wealth of events and activities on offer sits alongside the Mòd’s prestigious competition schedule, which will see the usual array of talent vying for the most coveted titles in Gaeldom. The Gold Medal, Traditional Gold Medal Final and Silver Pendant competitions, choirs competitions and Drama Final will all take place throughout the week, alongside children’s and music competitions, which will all welcome competitors from across Scotland and the wider world to Paisley.
Battle of the Bands will also be back for 2023 as young Scottish traditional and Gaelic acts perform for an esteemed panel of judges and lively audience at the The Wynd Centre for the final on Tuesday 17th October and the Literature Prize Giving will be held on Wednesday 18th October.
Following last year’s addition of art into the Mòd programme for the first time, artworks championing Gaelic culture and Scottish life from across Scotland will also be celebrated at the Mòd Phàislig with a digital display. The entrants for the Highland Art Prize will then be showcased at Glasgow’s Briggait from Friday 20th October. Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour of the ten longlist finalists.
A fitting finale to the Paisley Mòd will come in the form of the much-loved Massed Choirs. Hundreds of singers in choirs across Scotland will join in solidarity when they congregate in Paisley town centre on Saturday 21st October.
That night, folk-electronica powerhouse Niteworks will play Paisley Town Hall to round off a spectacular nine-day celebration of Gaelic. The concert presented by The Reeling, which was announced last month and marks the band’s only Scottish venue gig of the year, has seen fans snap up tickets.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “This year’s Royal National Mòd programme truly has something for everyone and shows the incredible breadth and richness of Gaelic language and culture spanning all backgrounds and ages. From tots engaging with the language for the first time, to the very best Gaelic singers in the country, Paisley is set to welcome thousands of people this October. It’s a joy to return to the town for the first time in 10 years and we will look forward to seeing streets, pubs, libraries and venues thriving with Mòd Phàislig activity across the nine days this autumn.”
Renfrewshire Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming all visitors and competitors to Mòd Phàislig this October. When the town last hosted the Mòd 10 years ago it was one of our best-ever
attended events. I am sure we can build on this legacy and create another fantastic event that will showcase the valuable role Gaelic plays in our culture.
“This year’s Mòd Fringe programme has something for everyone, and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and take part in the celebration of our Gaelic heritage.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Royal National Mod return to Paisley for the first time in 10 years and I’m delighted that the event is once again supported through EventScotland’s International Funding Programme. Paisley and Scotland will provide the perfect stage for such a uniquely Scottish event and provide a warm welcome to visitors, both local and international.”
Shona MacLennan, Bòrd na Gàidhlig Ceannard, said: “The Royal National Mòd is an integral part of Gaelic culture and heritage and plays a huge role in bringing Gaelic speakers and learners together. It contributes to the aim of increasing the use of Gaelic in Scotland through celebrating our language and culture.
“We are delighted to see this year’s Mòd programme being launched and look forward to meeting old friends and new in Paisley in October.”
The Royal National Mòd is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Renfrewshire Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, HIE, Creative Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, The Reeling and SQA.
To find out more about Mòd Phàislig events or to book tickets visit www.modphaislig.com.
Niteworks to bring Paisley Mòd to spectacular close
Published: 25 May 2023
Folk-electronica powerhouse Niteworks will bring this year’s Royal National Mòd to a spectacular close when they play Paisley Town Hall on Saturday 21st October.
The performance is the first in a vibrant programme of fringe concerts, shows, ceilidhs and exhibitions to be announced for Scotland’s premiere Gaelic musical and cultural event taking place across the town between 13 – 21 October 2023.
Acclaimed for their electrifying mix of Gaelic, Scots and English folk songs infused with cinematic electronica, Niteworks will headline the Paisley Mòd’s much-loved Closing Concert for the first time, rounding up nine days of celebrations of Gaelic language and culture in style.
Presented by The Reeling, Scotland’s newest trad music festival, the concert will be Niteworks’ only Scottish venue gig of the year and is the first time the SAY Award nominees and one of the world’s biggest Gaelic bands have played to audiences in Paisley.
The performance comes off the back of the band’s 2022 sell out Scottish tour which saw more than 6,000 tickets snapped up for venues including SWG3 Galvanizers and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
They will be joined by Glasgow trad fusion outfit DLÙ and the evening concert will follow the morning’s traditional Massed Choirs celebration on the streets of Paisley.
2023 will be the second time the Royal National Mòd has visited the Renfrewshire town, having hosted a hugely successful event ten years ago.
Ruairidh Graham of Niteworks said: “We’re so excited to be bringing Mòd Paisley to a close for what is going to be a brilliant Saturday night. Being creative with Gaelic language by fusing it with contemporary sounds is at the heart of what we do, so to bring this to an event dedicated to the promotion of the language in Scotland is really special. We’ve never had the chance to play in Paisley before so we’re looking forward to getting out in front of everyone for what will be our only Scottish venue gig this year.”
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The Royal National Mòd’s programme of concerts and performances is always an unforgettable celebration and showcase of talent from Scotland’s traditional and Gaelic music scene and this year’s will be even more diverse and vibrant than ever before. With Niteworks set to bring an incredible level of excitement to our final night of the Paisley Mòd, we expect this concert to be very popular. It’s just a taste of what else will be unveiled on the nine-day programme in the coming weeks.”
Renfrewshire Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming The Royal National Mòd back to Paisley this year and the news that Niteworks will close the event shows the calibre of talent people
can look forward to over the course of the festival. The fantastic range of events and activities that will take place will give people a chance to come together and celebrate the very best of Gaelic language and culture whether
they’ve been attending the Mòd for years or it’s their first time coming along.”
The Royal National Mòd is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Renfrewshire Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, The Reeling and SQA.
Tickets for Niteworks presented by The Reeling at The Royal National Mòd at Paisley Town Hall on Saturday 21st October will be on sale from 9am on Thursday 1st June at niteworksband.com. Sign up for artist presale at niteworksband.com to access tickets from 9am on Wednesday 31st May.
ACG Newsletter - May 2023
Published: 25 May 2023
Click on the link below to view the May issue of the An Comunn newsletter, packed with lots of information on this year’s Royal National Mod and lots more!
Cèilidh mun Chagailt le Annie NicDhòmhnaill
Published: 24 May 2023
Song Session with Annie MacDonald
With funding support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, An Còmunn Gàidhealach and Fèisean nan Gaidheal are delighted to be working together and in partnership with local mods and Fèisean across the country to host a number of Gaelic song sessions.
This session will be led by Annie MacDonald. There is a very warm welcome to all, both young and old, to take part in this online sing along.
Thursday 25th May at 7pm via Zoom
Lochaber to host Royal National Mòd 2025
Published: 22 May 2023
Entries for this year’s Paisley event set to close as Fort William announced as 2025 host
Lochaber has been selected as the host area for The Royal National Mòd 2025, bringing the annual celebration of Gaelic language and culture to Fort William for the ninth time. The announcement comes as plans for the 2023 event ramp up, with just days to go until the competition entry deadline.
Confirmed to run between 10 - 18 October 2025, Gaeldom’s premiere event will take over the scenic area with prestigious competitions, performances and cultural activities.
Lochaber last hosted the event in 2017, when more than 10,000 people flocked to the area to compete in competitions and take in the array of events on offer, generating over £2.6 million for the local economy. Looking forward to the 2025 event, organisers are confident the festival will see an equally, if not increased, beneficial impact on the West Highland community.
The Royal National Mòd attracts Gaelic communities from across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada and the USA and has a legacy which lasts far beyond its eight-day programme of competitions and events.
The annual festival facilitates the largest platform on which to promote and celebrate Gaelic language, arts, sport and culture, and with the vast visitor numbers it also significantly boosts the local economy of each year’s host destination.
Lochaber is well-renowned for its links to Gaelic language and culture, with a huge number of Scotland’s leading musicians hailing from the area, including past Mòd Gold Medallists Robert Robertson, Rachel Walker, Calum MacColl and Margaret MacLellan-Ford.
This news comes ahead of the online entry system for this year’s Royal National Mòd closing on Wednesday 31st May 2023. Competitors wishing to take part in the 2023 event have until midnight on the last day of this month to submit their entries.
The full list of competitions taking place including singing, bàrdachd, instrumental, drama and Highland dancing categories can be found in the Mòd syllabuses at ancomunn.co.uk/nationalmod/syllabus and entries can be submitted at https://enter.ancomunn.co.uk.
The online element remains a popular way for those wishing to take part in the event from afar and allows competitors to enter, record and upload their performances through the digital system. The online competitions and performances will be showcased via The Royal National Mòd’s social media channels as part of the event in October.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are thrilled to announce the return of The Royal National Mòd to Lochaber in 2025. The last Mòd held there in 2017 was a huge success with a record number of over 3600 competitors taking part. The Lochaber branch of An Comunn Gàidhealach are an active and experienced group who deliver Lochaber Provincial Mòd each year to a consistently high standard. Lochaber, of course, has a strong Gaelic heritage and I have no doubt that 2025 Mòd will be just as successful with thousands of Gaels gathering for the celebrations and competitions in the beautiful backdrop of Lochaber. The only entry system for competitions at this year’s Mòd will also close at the end of this month so we would encourage everyone to get their submission in as soon as possible.”
Chair of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee, Cllr Calum Munro said: “The Highland Council supports the very important role the Mòd plays in promoting the use of Gaelic and the positive image for the language created by this flagship gathering of the Gaelic community. The Mòd provides an important opportunity for speakers of all abilities to use Gaelic informally during the event and contributes highly to the social, economic and cultural value of the host community. Highland Council is delighted that it is returning to Lochaber where the community is renowned for its Gaelic and cultural heritage, especially in relation to traditional music.”
This year’s Royal National Mòd will take place in Paisley from 13-21 October 2023. It will be the second time the town has hosted the esteemed celebration of Gaelic language and culture, having last hosted the event in 2013. The Mòd will then go to Oban in 2024, before heading to Lochaber the following year.
For more information, visit www.ancomunn.co.uk
ACG Newsletter
Published: 28 Apr 2023
Here is the latest edition of our newsletter: http://bitly.ws/DE9t
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue of the newsletter, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
S12 (P4 & P5) mixed Air and Tràigh.
Published: 26 Apr 2023
Please note that the following prescribed piece has been amended, with verse 3 being taken out: S12 (P4 & P5) mixed Air and Tràigh.
If you had previously purchased this piece, please ensure competitors are aware of this change and there is now only 2 verses.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Best wishes with all the preparations and we look forward to seeing you in Paisley in October!
ACG Newsletter - March 2023
Published: 31 Mar 2023
The March issue of the newsletter is available to view here: http://bitly.ws/Coe4
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
An Comunn Gàidhealach welcomes new President
Published: 20 Mar 2023
An Comunn Gàidhealach has today announced they are welcoming a new President, as Allan Campbell steps down from the role after a remarkable six years as President and 14 years involved with the Board. Maggie Cunningham will take his place as the new President, taking over the association responsible for the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic language, while Allan remains on the Board.
Maggie brings a wealth of experience to the role having served as Chair of MG Alba and as Joint Head of Programmes and Services in BBC Scotland. Originally from Scalpay and now residing in Plockton, Maggie has been attending Mòds for a number of years and has been a Board member of An Comunn Gàidhealach since 2021.
Taking over the role of Vice President will be current Board member John Joe MacNeil, who heads up Ceòlas on South Uist – one of the Outer Hebrides’ leading Gaelic culture, heritage and arts organisations.
Allan Campbell said: “Maggie is a well-known and greatly respected member of the Gaelic community and brings vast experience to the role from her broadcasting career and wider work as a Gaelic language campaigner. I am delighted to welcome Maggie as President and wish her every success and enjoyment in the role.
“From a personal point of view, it has been an absolute privilege to have served An Comunn Gàidhealach as President and I am confident that I am handing the role to someone who will further enhance the work of An Comunn and the Royal National Mòd. The organisation is now in a strong position to support the development of our wonderful language; music and culture in the years to come.”
Maggie Cunningham, speaking following the AGM of An Comunn Gàidhealach in Paisley, said: “I would like to thank Allan Campbell for his work and dedication in serving An Comunn over the past fourteen years, the last six as President. He is leaving a strong legacy in ensuring that the Royal National Mòd is still Gaelic’s premier festival and as relevant today as it has been for the past 130 years.
“The role of President of An Comunn Gàidhealach will be both challenging and, hopefully, fulfilling. The supporting infrastructure is now in place, and we can help to move the re-emergence of our language, music and culture forward over the coming years. We will strive to fulfil the aspirations outlined in the National Gaelic Plan. I look forward to leading the team, who will shape An Comunn Gàidhealach in the years to come.”
An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Highland Association) was founded in Oban in 1891 and is responsible for organising the annual Royal National Mòd, the principal Gaelic language festival in Scotland, providing opportunities for people of all ages to perform across a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music and song, highland dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature.
This year’s Mòd will take place in Paisley from 13th-21st October 2023. For more information visit ancomunn.co.uk.
New York City to showcase first ever Gaelic song contest with Tartan Week Mòd
Published: 09 Mar 2023
A NYC Tartan Week Mòd will take place for the first time this spring as NYC Tartan Week, the largest annual Scottish cultural gathering in NYC, hosts its first ever Scottish Gaelic song contest in celebration of NYC Tartan Week’s
25th Anniversary of National Tartan Day.
The two-day event will be held in association with An Comunn Gàidhealach, who are responsible for the annual Royal National Mòd, and hosted by Mòd Gold Medallist and BBC Alba’s SpeakGaelic presenter, Joy Dunlop. It marks the first time a Mòd has taken place in New York City.
Singers from across North America, Scotland, and beyond are being invited to compete in the historic event which will take place at The Tailor Public House on Thursday 13th April.
The competition will see singers ages 16+ perform one of six prescribed Gaelic songs, or their own selected Gaelic song, before a panel of judges. The winner will be crowned NYC Tartan Week Mòd Champion 2023 with a cash prize sponsored by the New York Caledonian Club, and the winner will be invited to perform at the New York Caledonian Club NYC Tartan Week Pre-Parade Ceilidh.
Wednesday 12th April will see the event kick off with a series of workshops in Gaelic language and culture including song, instrumental music, step dancing, and ceilidh dancing.
The festivities will be captured by Mac TV for a documentary that will be aired later this year. It will follow Joy as she travels across the Atlantic to share the spirit, excitement and camaraderie of the Mòd and speak to Americans with ties to Scotland about the importance of celebrating the Gaelic language and their heritage.
The Royal National Mòd, which takes place annually in different Scottish locations each October, is the highlight of the Gaelic community calendar and the annual festival is the largest gathering of Scottish Gaelic song, music, and culture in the world. Choirs, groups, quartets, duets, soloists, thespians, and musicians compete at this week-long gathering, with winners of its singing and musical competitions going on to delight audiences around the world.
Joy Dunlop said: “The tradition of the Mòd is one we’ve enjoyed in Scotland for over 100 years, and we are so proud to bring this event to NYC for the first time. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate our community and our history and keep this important part of our culture thriving on both sides of the Atlantic.”
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The Royal National Mòd is the biggest celebration of Gaelic language so it felt only fitting that we partnered up with North America’s largest annual Scottish cultural gathering. It’s wonderful to see NYC Tartan Week bring its own Mòd to life across the Atlantic for what will be a fantastic opportunity for Gaelic speakers across the pond to take part in a Gaelic singing competition. This pilot project has so much potential, and we look forward to continue growing this friendship in years to come.”
The 2023 NYC Tartan Week and the NYC Tartan Day Parade are organised by the National Tartan Day New York Committee with support from Scotland Shop, Belhaven, NHSCOT, The Scottish Government, Scottish Business Network, New York Genealogical & Biographical Society, and Compliant Global.
The NYC Tartan Week Mòd is supported by New York Caledonian Club, The Tailor Public House, Scottish Business Network, and An Comunn Gàidhealach. To find out more, visit www.nyctartanweek.org/mod.
This year’s Royal National Mòd will take place in Paisley from 13th-21st October 2023. Entries are open now at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
ACG Newsletter
Published: 02 Mar 2023
You can view the latest issue of the An Communn Newsletter here.
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
ACG Newsletter - January 2023
Published: 02 Feb 2023
Here is the latest issue of our newsletter. Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
https://www.bitlylinks.com/fvgozxS4F
£2.5m boost to Perth thanks to The Royal National Mòd 2022
Published: 30 Jan 2023
Gaeldom’s premiere musical and cultural event had a huge economic impact and amplified interest in Gaelic
The Royal National Mòd 2022, which took place in Perth from 14 – 22 October, saw a £2.5 million uplift to the area’s economy, with 98% of spending taking place in the Fair City over the cultural festival’s nine days.
The 130-year-old event, which celebrates Gaelic language, music, and culture featured a variety of incredible competitions, performances, workshops and activities, providing a huge social and cultural boost to Perth.
The 2022 event saw a 130% increase in in-person attendees since 2021 when some Covid-19 restrictions were in place, welcoming more than 7,500 visitors and providing an economic uplift that helped support around 30 FTE jobs.
There is also evidence that the Royal National Mòd will have a lasting legacy for the city of Perth, and future Mòds. Visitors highly regarded the city and its host venues and it is estimated a further £1 million could be spent there by Mòd attendees returning again in the future. One Mòd was nowhere enough for most, with 95% of those surveyed saying they would be likely or highly likely to this year’s Mòd in Paisley this October,
Allan Campbell, An Comunn Gaidhealach President, said: “We are delighted that the 2022 Mòd saw such an increase in attendees as we returned to a full-scale event. It is such a vital festival in the calendar of the Gaelic community and one that we know year on year has a massive cultural and economic impact on host towns and cities across Scotland. Perth was no different, with the Mòd generating a sizable economic boost to the city and surrounding areas, as well as stimulating interest in Gaelic language and culture.
“An Comunn congratulates everyone involved in the 2022 Royal National Mòd and we are very much looking forward to this year’s 2023 event in Paisley. We hope to see a continued upward trajectory in participants and visitors as we head to Renfrewshire this October.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “From its torchlight parade opening accompanied by the pipes to the massed choirs closing proceedings, the Mod’s return to Perth was a huge success and the city provided the perfect stage for this celebration of Gaelic culture. To see a £2.5m boost to the area is a fantastic reflection of the economic benefits of events, in addition to their important role in communities coming together to enjoy and share memorable experiences.”
Councillor Andrew Parrott, convener of Perth & Kinross Council’s Environment, Infrastructure and Economic Development Committee, said: “The return of the Mòd to Perth was a huge success as a competition and the economic impact it delivered for Perth.
“The Mòd not only delivered a significant boost to local businesses it also demonstrated what a great host city Perth is, both in terms of the venues we have and the warm welcome we gave to visitors last year.
“Before last year, Perth had not hosted the Mòd since 2004 and I hope it is not another 18 years before it returns.”
Councillor John Duff, Perth & Kinross Council’s Gaelic champion, added: “It was fantastic to host the Mòd in Perth last year and that so many visitors enjoyed their time here. The Mòd is hugely important in promoting our Gaelic heritage and culture and I am delighted last year’s event had such a positive impact.”
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Royal National Mòd in Perth showed the strength of feeling that people have for both the Gaelic language and culture. It’s clear to see how it can also provide a welcome boost to the economy of our towns and cities.
“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring a continued growth of the language through national initiatives and supporting celebratory events, like the one we saw in the Fair City. I am already looking forward to, what will be no doubt, another successful event in Paisley.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Mòd Pheairt was a huge success – a real celebration of Gaelic language and culture. It was so encouraging to see the attendance at its highest since the pandemic. Following a challenging time for everybody, these opportunities to come together not only contribute so much to wellbeing but are also vitally important for the language.
“Well done to all those who took part in the competitions and also those who came to celebrate Gaelic. Congratulations to An Comunn Gàidhealach for another outstanding Mòd and to all of the people – young and old – who make the Royal National Mòd the great event it is. It reminds us that Gaelic is for everybody and what better way to celebrate that fact. Bòrd na Gàidhlig are already looking forward to Mòd Phàislig 2023. Chì sinn ann sibh!”
The Royal National Mòd in Perth 2022 was supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Perth & Kinross Council, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.
This year’s Royal National Mòd will be held in Paisley between 13-21 October. More information is available at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
John Macleod Memorial Lecture
Published: 19 Jan 2023
The fifth annual John Macleod Memorial Lecture will be held on Thursday 26th January 2023 at 7pm, in association with An Comunn Gàidhealach and The University of Edinburgh.
Ruairidh Alastair MacLennan will deliver this year’s lecture focusing on “Raising a voice in a globalised world: The meaning of language in the age of the lingua franca”.
Ruairidh MacLennan is a BBC journalist. He has previously worked as a presenter, producer and writer in independent media, as well as worked as a translator and foreign language tutor in Scotland and abroad. He graduated at undergraduate and postgraduate level in modern languages and cultures from the University of Glasgow, concluding in 2016 with a specialism in the relationship between reason and religion. He won the men’s Mòd Gold Medal in 2019.
This talk is free to attend and registration is not necessary. This event will also be broadcast live on Facebook.
Come along and enjoy an informative and motivating evening! If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact rowan@ancomunn.co.uk
ACG Newsletter
Published: 22 Dec 2022
Here is our last newsletter of 2022! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!
Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail
Published: 22 Dec 2022
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ACG Newsletter
Published: 01 Dec 2022
Here is the latest issue of the An Comunn Gàidhealach newsletter. Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contac marina@ancomunn.co.uk
ACG Newsletter
Published: 05 Nov 2022
A look back at Mòd 2022 in the An Comunn Newsletter.
Have a lovely weekend folks!
Perth hands flag over to Paisley for Mòd 2023
Published: 25 Oct 2022
The Royal National Mòd 2022 closed today with voices from across the country ringing out over Perth, marking the end of the nine-day festival’s vibrant programme of cultural events and competitions.
Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language and culture was held at 14 venues across Perth from the 14th – 22nd October, and closed with a Massed Choirs Event at Perth High Street and Perth Concert Hall this morning, where the Mòd flag was handed over to Paisley, hosts of the Mòd 2023.
Throughout the course of the nine-day event, around 2,100 participants, including towns and villages across Scotland and as far away as Germany, took part in a total of 200 competitions.
Around 7,000 people are estimated to have visited Perth for the festival and it’s thought to have contributed around £1 million to the local economy. Thousands of people from around the globe, including the United States, also tuned in to watch selected Mòd events online.
This year saw a return to form for the Mòd following two years of disruption, with events held online and in a hybrid format in 2020 and 2021. The beloved Choir Competitions were held in person for the first time since 2019, and festival goers were able to enjoy a varied programme of fringe events alongside the flagship competitions and a range of new events including Battle of the Bands and a TikTok competition.
Yesterday saw another round of Choir Competitions – in the Area Choirs, Cumbernauld Gaelic Choir won the Puirt-à-beul competition, while it was an impressive and emotional win for Oban Gaelic Choir, conducted by Sileas Sinclair, who took home the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield. After entering the competition for the first time, Black Isle Gaelic Choir, conducted by Kirtseen Maclennan, won the Margaret Duncan Memorial Trophy. Argyll’s Atomic Piseag won the Area Choir Ladies’ competition.
Sileas Sinclair said: “I’m a bit stunned and speechless by the win and just so pleased for and proud of the choir who have worked so hard to prepare for the Mòd. For me personally, my family has always been involved in the choir, my father and my grandparents, so it just means so much.”
Kirtseen Maclennan said: “We’re absolutely overwhelmed and couldn’t be happier to have won. The choir has worked so hard through the challenges of the pandemic. This is the first time we’ve entered this competition, we’re a new choir, formed just after lockdown and in our first competitive Mòd have lifted the beautiful Margaret Duncan Memorial Trophy. This is especially poignant as this was the first trophy my father
Hamish Menzies won back in 1963, he was very fond of this trophy having won it multiple times, so it means a great deal to myself, my son and the rest of the choir.”
Elsewhere, Isle of Mull Gaelic Choir took first place in the Harmony Singing competition, while Badenoch was the winning Waulking Group, and Glasgow Gaelic Choir won the Men’s Choral Singing. London Choir Quartet were crowned winners of the Quartet Singing, bringing this year’s competition programme to a close.
Yesterday also brought the announcement of the winner of the first ever Highland Art Prize. Presented by the Highland Society of London, in conjunction with An Comunn Gàidhealach and Perth and Kinross Council, the competition celebrates yet another facet of Gaelic culture and Scottish life.
From a shortlist of 10 outstanding artworks selected by Islay artist and broadcaster Heather Dewar, David Page from Mull Highland Games was crowned the winner with his painting titled ‘Drift’. The award was presented by Mary Ann Kennedy at City Contemporary Art Gallery. The £1,000 prize will be shared between the winning artist and their corresponding art organisation, to help support local participation in art. David Page will also have the opportunity to present his work at an exhibition at the Briggait in Glasgow during 2023, courtesy of Wasps, a charity that provides studios and spaces to artists and creators.
Last night’s Mòd Grand Finale was a fitting final concert for the week, with one of Scotland’s biggest and best loved traditional bands, Trail West putting on an electric performance for the Perth Concert Hall crowd.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “What a joy it has been to have Gaels gather once again to showcase and honour our language and culture. It’s also been fantastic to be back in Perth after such a long stint - its fantastic venues, welcoming community and picturesque streets have made it a tremendous Mòd location.
“A huge thank you to everyone who makes the Mòd possible, from the hard-working volunteers to the participants and everyone who came to visit and support the event. To hear Gaelic language and music
around venues and on streets across the city all week has been incredible.
“We are looking forward to bringing our Gaelic festival of culture and song to Paisley in 2023, for the first time in a decade. The Mòd will bring a boost in culture and tourism to the town and I’m sure attendees will enjoy the beautiful surroundings and excellent hospitality Paisley has to offer.”
Perth & Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “The return of the Royal National Mòd to Perth had been well worth the wait and Saturday’s finale was spectacular.
“It’s been fantastic to welcome so many competitors and visitors to Perth. There has been a fantastic atmosphere in the city throughout the competition.
“Competitors and audiences have been full of praise for this year’s venues and I would like to thank all the staff and volunteers across Perth and Kinross who have made the Mòd such a success this year.”
Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade added: “The Mòd has been a fantastic celebration of Scotland’s Gaelic culture and a wonderful showcase of all Perth has to offer, and our own Gaelic culture and
heritage.
“It has been a fantastic eight days and I’m sure everyone who has been involved will remember it for years to come.
“I’d also like to wish Paisley all the best for hosting the Mòd next year – I am sure they will be fantastic hosts.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Perth has provided the perfect stage for this year’s Royal National Mod, and it is wonderful to see this celebration of Gaelic culture close in such spectacular fashion today with the Massed Choirs serenading the streets of the city for the 2022 finale.
“Events play an important role in our communities by allowing us all to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences and I was delighted to see visitors from across the globe attending and participating in such numbers at this uniquely Scottish event, which has been proudly supported through EventScotland’s International Programme.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Mòd Pheairt has been a huge success – a real celebration of Gaelic language and culture. Following a difficult couple of years for everybody, these
opportunities to come together not only contribute so much to wellbeing but are also vitally important for the language. Bòrd na Gàidhlig are delighted to support the Mòd and it has been lovely to see new competitions and activities surrounding this years event. Well done to everybody who took part in the competitions and also to everybody who came to celebrate Gaelic. Congratulations to An Comunn Gàidhealach for another outstanding Mòd and to all of the people – young and old – who make the Mòd. Gaelic is for everybody and what better way to celebrate it. Bòrd na Gàidhlig look forward to Mòd Phàislig 2023. Ceud mìle
taing dhuibh uile agus meallaibh ur naidheachd le chèile.”
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “It’s an honour to accept the Mòd flag, signalling the return of the Royal National Mòd to Paisley in 2023, exactly ten years after it was last hosted in the town.
“The Mòd promises to be a fantastic celebration of Gaelic culture and heritage and I’m really looking forward to welcoming competitors and visitors to our area.
“Renfrewshire has a rich Gaelic history. There are currently more than 1,500 residents of Renfrewshire who speak, read or write Gaelic, and recently we welcomed the first of many children to our new Gaelic school at West Primary.
“We’ve been working hard alongside An Comunn Gàidhealach and our Local Organising Committee to prepare for the event and further details about the programme will be announced soon.”
The Royal National Mòd will be held in Paisley between 13-21 October 2023. More information is available at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
ACG Newsletter - September
Published: 30 Sep 2022
Please click on the link below to view this month’s newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Mod Programme Out Now!
Published: 23 Sep 2022
We’re delighted to announce that this year’s Official Mòd Programme 2022 is now available online as well as hard copy!
The full programme can be viewed online here https://bit.ly/3eRfBSv
Hard copies of the programme are available to purchase from the following outlets:
An Comunn Gàidhealach Office (Stornoway)
Events Stornoway
An Comunn Gàidhealach Office (Inverness)
The Gaelic Books Council, Glasgow
Perth Concert Hall
Perth Theatre
You can also order a hard copy of the programme for postage from the following places:
An Comunn Gàidhealach Office (Stornoway): 01851 703487
An Comunn Gàidhealach Office (Inverness): 01463 709705
Horsecross, Perth: 01738 621031
An Comunn members will also receive a discount by using the special members’ code that has already been emailed out to you.
If you need any further information, please contact us at info@ancomunn.co.uk
Correction - Òran Mòr - Gold Medal Qualifier
Published: 21 Sep 2022
Competition S103 Òran Mòr - Gold Medal Qualifier - A Mhàiri Bhàn òg
Rann 3 (4th line) - ‘s diùltach is incorrect - this should be ‘s diùltadh
Letter to The King
Published: 20 Sep 2022
A letter from Alan Campbell, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach.
Gaelic Society of Inverness Talk
Published: 19 Sep 2022
“EMPIRE, CULTURE, AND SOCIETY IN THE LATE-NINETEENTH CENTURY HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS”.
The first talk in the Gaelic Society’s 2022-23 programme will take place on Friday 23rd September at 7.30pm in the St Andrew’s Cathedral Community Hall, 11 Kenneth Street, Inverness.
The speaker is Dr Ben Thomas and his subject is: “Empire, culture, and society in the late-nineteenth century Highlands and Islands”.
Mod Programme Now Available
Published: 14 Sep 2022
We are pleased to publish a digital version of this year’s Royal National Mod Programme.
Royal National Mod 2022 Programme Pheairt Programme
Hard copies of the programme will be available soon. Please keep an eye on our website and on our social media pages for more details on this.
Amendment - Lorne Shield
Published: 05 Sep 2022
Lorne Shield Set Piece Correction
At the moment 2 of the choruses read
An t-aparan goirid an t-aparan ùr,
and the other 2 read
An t-aparan goirid ‘s an t-aparan ùr
To clarify; All the choruses should read:
An t-aparan goirid ‘s an t-aparan ùr
The two places to make the corrections are bar 13 and bar 67.
ACG Newsletter
Published: 01 Sep 2022
Please click on the following link to view the latest issue of the An Comunn newsletter: https://bit.ly/3B5uEkb
We hope you enjoy it!
Mod Fringe Programme
Published: 27 Aug 2022
Visiting the Royal National Mòd in Perth in October and trying to plan your trip? Take a look at this year’s official programme for the Mòd Fringe! There are events for the whole family, so make sure and get involved!
Full Fringe Programme: bit.ly/3K5ZGvi
Tickets for premier events: https://www.horsecross.co.uk/.../the-royal-national-m%C3%B2d
Comps S03 (G) and S03 (B) - Siùth’d a leanaibh
Published: 24 Aug 2022
Junior Solo Fluent Comps S03 (G) and S03 (B) - Siùth’d a leanaibhBars 7 and 15: On the first syllable of Goiridh, the high C (soh) should be a middle C (soh) ie one octave lower than written.
ACG Newsletter
Published: 03 Aug 2022
Please click on the following link to view the latest issue of the An Comunn Gaidhealach newsletter. This issue includes details about the Mod Fringe, a draft programme of this year’s Mod competitions, details on our exciting new TikTok competitions and much, much more!
Cuairt-litir ACG - Iuchar 2022
Should you wish to send us any information for a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
Mod 2022 Draft Programme
Published: 03 Aug 2022
We’ve had quite a few enquiries recently asking for information on when and where competitions will be taking place at this year’s Royal National Mòd in Perth, so we’ve put together this handy timetable as guidance.
Please note, this timetable is intended as a helpful guide for competitors and participants only and is subject to change.
Please note that the official Mòd programme will be available in the coming weeks.
Perth Mod 2022 Draft Programme
Royal National Mòd 2022
Published: 13 Jul 2022
Royal National Mòd 2022 to bring dazzling display of Gaelic music and culture to Perth
Programme of fringe performances unveiled ahead of October event
The Royal National Mòd will showcase and celebrate the very best in Gaelic music and culture when it comes to Perth for the first time in 18 years this October.
A vibrant programme of fringe concerts, shows, ceilidhs and exhibitions, has today been unveiled and will delight audiences across the city between the 14th - 22nd October 2022.
The eight-day event is Gaeldom’s premier musical and cultural celebration staged annually at a different Scottish town. This year’s Royal National Mòd in Perth will mark 130 years since the first ever event took place in Oban in 1892.
Around 1000 musicians and participants will fill over 10 venues, the length and breadth of Perth this October, including Perth Concert Hall, Perth Theatre and North Inch Community Campus. Sporting events will also take centre stage, with shinty and football hosted at Bells Sports Centre, while a joyous massed choirs event on Perth High Street will close the nine-day celebration.
With the recently reported rise in the number of Scots knowing some Gaelic words and phrases, this year’s Royal National Mòd is expected to attract thousands of competitors and concert goers who have an interest in the language and its culture. This significant number of attendees will make a hugely positive impact on the local economy of Perth.
Cuirm-Fosglaidh a’ Mhòid 2022 (Mòd 2022 Opening Concert) will welcome some of the very best Gaelic talent to the Perth Concert Hall stage this October. Singers Mairi MacInnes, Arthur Cormack, Ceitlin Lilidh and Darren MacLean will perform alongside an all-star band led by Gary Innes and Ewen Henderson of Mànran fame.
The Saturday evening will showcase a very special night dedicated to the thriving Gaelic culture and traditional music that Perthshire has to offer. Entitled Ar Cànan ‘S Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music), this special night will feature a host of notable names including Margaret Bennett, Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton’s Symbiosis, alongside Patsy Reid. This concert will not only
celebrate the well-known musicians and singers who have put Perth on the musical map, but also the many community and educational groups who work tirelessly with passion and enthusiasm to ensure the local traditional cultural community continues to thrive. These groups include Perth Gaelic Choir, The Gordon Duncan Experience and The Tayside Young Fiddlers.
A new competition for Perth Mòd 2022 is the Cogadh nan Còmhlain (Battle of the Bands), with the under 13s final taking place on Monday 17th and the under 19s final on Tuesday 18th October. This junior competition will provide a wonderful opportunity for young people to perform live on stage, with the winning bands receiving a recording session experience with Wee Studio in Stornoway.
The Leonard Brown Scottish Dance Band will play a legendary ceilidh in the Salutation Hotel Ballroom on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights of this year’s event.
Cuirm Crìochnachaidh a’ Mhòid (The Mòd Grand Finale) will welcome West Coast favourites Trail West to the Perth Concert Hall to close Gaeldom’s 2022 premier musical and cultural event.
Duais Ealain na Gàidhealtachd (The Highland Art Prize) will also take place in Perth’s City Contemporary Art Gallery. It will exhibit recently selected artwork by local art associations and galleries that celebrate art and culture from across the Highland and Islands. In conjunction with the Royal National Mòd, the winning artwork will be chosen and presented with a prize of £1000 ( shared between the artist and their corresponding gallery), alongside an opportunity to exhibit their work at a high-profile Glasgow gallery in 2023.
The vibrant fringe programme will accompany a full suite of in-person competitions, some online competitions and a selection of exciting new categories. Competitors wishing to take part have until 10pm on Friday 15th July to submit their entries.
Competition categories include singing, bàrdachd, instrumental, drama and Highland dancing, while new elements include an accompanied choirs’ competition aimed at harmony singing groups of between five and ten singers alongside a new solo singing contest, The CalMac Competition, which is open to adult learners.
Outwith the syllabus, a new TikTok competition and Sruth, an event aimed at encouraging more natural conversation among young people, will be part of the programme this year.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Returning to Perth for this year’s Royal National Mòd will be a fantastic moment for us. It will be so special to hear and see the best that Gaelic culture has to offer during this year’s event and to welcome people from Perth, the rest of Scotland and indeed the world, to the city to enjoy Gaelic music and culture across Perth’s unique and special venues.”
Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade said: “The Mod returning to Perth is tremendously exciting and will bring a real buzz to the city in October. This will be a fantastic showcase for Perth and a wonderful celebration of our Gaelic heritage, and the Gaelic language and culture”.
Perth & Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “The Mod and its Fringe programme will make Perth the place to be in Scotland this October. I’m delighted to see so many events taking place in venues across the city. I am sure it will be an unforgettable festival and deliver a real boost to the city’s economy.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Royal National Mòd as it returns to Perth for the first time in 18 years. Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and Perth will provide the perfect stage for this uniquely Scottish event celebrating Gaelic culture through music, dance and so much more.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “We are delighted to see the Royal National Mòd returning to Perth. The Mòd is always a huge celebration of Gaelic language and culture, providing opportunities to use the language in a wide range of events. It also contributes to a sense of wellbeing, particularly through bringing old and new friends together after some very challenging years. We welcome all celebrations of Gaelic and its culture and I’m sure Perth will be an outstanding location again this year.”
The Royal National Mòd is supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Perth and Kinross Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.
This year’s Royal National Mòd will run from 14th - 22nd October 2022. More information at www.ancomunn.co.uk. Tickets will be available to buy from Horsecross Arts box office from mid-late August at www.horsecross.co.uk.
Entries for Mòd competitions must be submitted by Friday 15th July at enter.ancomunn.co.uk.
ACG Newsletter
Published: 02 Jul 2022
The latest issue of the An Comunn newsletter is available to view via the following link.
Happy holidays everyone!
https://mailchi.mp/ce1a4a1a7552/cuairt-litir-a-chomuinn-gearran-8900958
P.S Don’t forget the Mod entry deadline 15/07/22
Cèilidh mun Chagailt Tonight!
Published: 09 Jun 2022
We’re delighted that a new series of Cèilidh mun Chagailt song sessions will be running over the next few weeks in collaboration with Fèisean nan Gàidheal and with funding support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig. All are welcome at these free and informal song sessions. Register now through Eventbrite now to secure your place! This Thursday’s session will be hosted by the wonderful Mary Ann Kennedy!
Register:
https://bit.ly/3Q3ma2z
Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail - 80 Today!
Published: 07 Jun 2022
Do Aonghas Dubh Là na h-Aoise
Fhir-dhàna ’s ollaimh ri filidheachd,
Seadh, agus ri seanchas
Is ealain a tha thu ann,
A cheist is a chuspair
A bhuain aois a’ gheallaidh
’S t’ anam dubh dubh gun sgur
Agus do shùilean beò nan lasair
Nad shuidhe sa chnoc a’ sealltainn a-mach
Air an Eilean ’s na Crìochan ’s Leum na Caillich,
An dèidh dhut èirigh ’s falbh
Agus an obair mhòr agad
Is an dreuchd ud a leigeil a-nuas
Mu dheireadh thall ’s a-bhos
Is na leabhraichean a chur an dara taobh
Mar a dhèanadh na linn am bodach
Na aon luaireagan beag air teòradh,
A chiall, ris a’ bhlàths a-staigh,
Cha chreid mi nach fhàg sinn,
Mar chuimhneachan ’s mar chomharradh,
A’ chathair agad thall ud
Bàn ’s falamh gu Là Luain.
Rody Gorman
An Comunn Gàidhealach Bàrd 2021-2022
ACG Newsletter - May 2022
Published: 01 Jun 2022
Please click on the following link to view the May issue of the An Comunn newsletter:
Perth Royal National Mod Local Committee
Published: 01 Jun 2022
The new Local Committee is recruiting volunteers now for Mod Pheairt in October.
If you’d like to help in any way, before and/or during Mod week, we’d love to hear from you!
Please fill in a volunteer form (attached/link) and return it to us at modpheairt22@gmail.com or email us for more information.
https://www.ancomunn.co.uk/images/uploads/Stewards_Form_2022.pdf
New Senior Choir Competitions
Published: 05 May 2022
We are excited to add two new exciting competitions to the senior choral categories for this year’s Royal National Mod.
With there being no ordinary competitions for choirs at the Royal National Mod in 2021, they were invited to showcase a performance of their own choice and some chose to perform with instrumental accompaniment. The choirs thoroughly enjoyed this, as did the audience and we are therefore delighted to add to the syllabus a new choral competition with accompaniment:
Competition C109 (Open) – Singing of one song accompanied by piano.
We have another new competition, open to senior groups:
Competition C112 - Harmony Singing - Groups between 5 - 10 singers - One song. Singing in harmony.
We are really looking forward to seeing both these competitions as part of the choral programme at this year’s Royal National Mod in Perth and we hope your Choir will be taking part!
Gaelic Testing
Published: 04 May 2022
Any competitors wishing to complete a Gaelic Test for this year’s Royal National Mod have until the end of August to do so.
Please contact seonag@ancomunn.co.uk to arrange a test.
There will also be an opportunity to do a test at the Aberfeldy Mod on the 11th of June, if you would be interested in booking one there, just get in touch with Seonag.
ACG Newsletter - April
Published: 29 Apr 2022
Please click here to view the April issue of the An Comunn newsletter.
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
Competition entries open for The Royal National Mòd 2022 in Perth
Published: 19 Apr 2022
The online entry system for this year’s Royal National Mòd is now open, An Comunn Gàidhealach has announced. Competitors wishing to take part in the 2022 event, taking place between 14 - 22 October in Perth, have until 10pm on Friday 15th July to submit their entries.
2022 will see the Gaeldom’s premiere musical and cultural event return with a full suite of in-person competitions, alongside the retention of some online competitions and the launch of some exciting new categories.
It will be the first time the city of Perth has hosted the 130-year-old event celebrating Gaelic language and culture since 2004.
The full list of competitions taking place including singing, bàrdachd, instrumental, drama and Highland dancing categories can be found in the Mòd syllabuses at www.ancomunn.co.uk/nationalmod/syllabus and entries can be submitted at enter.ancomunn.co.uk.
On the back of delivering successful online competitions for the previous two Royal National Mòds due to the pandemic, some online competitions will remain, including solo singing, instrumental, and choral categories for juniors and seniors alike.
The online element proved hugely popular for those wishing to take part in the event from afar and will allow competitors to enter, record and upload their performances through the digital system. The online competitions and performances will be showcased via The Royal National Mòd’s social media channels as part of the event in October.
This year will also see the addition of a new Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of the Bands) competition to the junior competition syllabus. Cogadh nan Còmhlan will provide a wonderful opportunity for young people to perform live on stage, with the winning bands receiving a recording session experience with Wee Studio in Stornoway.
Out with the syllabus, a new TikTok competition and Sruth, an event aimed at encouraging more natural conversation among young people, will be launched. More information on these new additions can be found at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
The senior competition syllabus will also welcome the addition of a new accompanied choirs’ competition aimed at harmony singing groups consisting of between five and ten singers and a new solo singing contest, The CalMac Competition, open to adult learners. The senior piping events will now feature A & Premier and B Grade competitions, and both grades will have a Pìobaireachd, and March, Strathspey and Reel event.
This year also sees a revision of the numbering configuration for competitions and updates to competition rules, with all competitors asked to familiarise themselves with all regulations before entering.
Marina MacKay, Mòd Officer at An Comunn Gaidhealach said: “It is a joy to announce the entries for the Royal National Mòd 2022 in Perth are now open. It will be a fantastic moment to welcome hundreds of competitors back to perform in person this year and we have no doubt the calibre of entries will be incredible once again. We’re also very excited to launch some brilliant new competitions and programme elements for people of all ages to get involved in and for the third year running, we’re looking forward to showcasing online entries from competitors who are unable to attend in person. The countdown to a spectacular Perth Mòd is well and truly underway and we would encourage participants to get their entries in as soon as they can.”
Shona MacLennan, Chief Executive Officer, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “The Royal National Mòd has a central role in bringing together Gaelic speakers and learners to celebrate our language and culture. We are delighted to see this year’s Mòd being launched and look forward to meeting old friends and new in Perth in October.”
Thomas Glen, Chief Executive of Perth & Kinross Council, said: “We are looking forward to offering a warm welcome to Perth and Kinross for all participants, audiences and guests later
this year. As well as a fantastic celebration of Gaelic language and culture on the Mòd stages we hope participants will also take the time to enjoy what Perth and the surrounding area has to offer in cultural attractions, outdoor activities and independent shopping.”
The Royal National Mòd is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Perth & Kinross Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.
This year’s Mòd will take place in Perth from 14th - 22nd October 2022. For full details of the Mòd 2022 online entry system and syllabuses visit www.ancomunn.co.uk/nationalmod/syllabus and for prescribed pieces for Mòd 2022, visit ancomunn.co.uk/store .
For more information contact An Comunn Gàidhealach at info@ancomunn.co.uk or phone: 01851 703487.
ACG Newsletter - March 2022
Published: 02 Apr 2022
Please click on the link below to view the latest issue of the An Comunn Gàidhealach newsletter.
An Comunn Gàidhealach Newsletter - March 2022
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
Amendments to Prescribed Pieces
Published: 25 Mar 2022
The following amendments have been made to some of this year’s prescribed pieces. Should you have any queries, please contact us: info@ancomunn.co.uk
Amendments to Mod 2022 Prescribed Pieces
Public Meeting - Perth Mod
Published: 02 Mar 2022
Public Meeting
A public meeting will be held online on Tuesday 15th March at 7.30pm to form a Local Committee for The Royal National Mòd which takes place in Perth, 14-22 October 2022.
The Royal National Mòd is organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach and is Scotland’s premier celebration of the Gaelic language, music and culture and returns to Perth for the first time since 2004.
The Local Committee is a Committee of An Comunn Gàidhealach and plays a vital role in assisting with the delivery of the event through voluntary support.If you are interested in the Gaelic language and culture this is a great opportuinity to get involved.
To register your attendance for the meeting, please e-mail: peigi@ancomunn.co.uk and you will receive a link to the meeting.
ACG Newsletter - February 2022
Published: 02 Mar 2022
The latest issue of the newsletter is now available to view here.
Should you wish to include anything in a future issue, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk.
Recording of the John Macleod Memorial Lecture 2022 with Iona Whyte
Published: 21 Feb 2022
A recording of the fourth annual John Macleod Memorial Lecture, held on the 27th January 2022, in association with An Comunn Gàidhealach and Edinburgh University.
Iona Whyte delivered this year’s lecture focusing on ‘Green Washing and the Carbon Footprint Myth’.
John Macleod Memorial Lecture 2022 with Iona Whyte
The Royal National Mòd 2021 brought £1.2m boost to Inverness and the Highlands
Published: 13 Feb 2022
The prestigious event celebrating Gaelic language and culture had hugely positive social, cultural and economic benefits
The Royal National Mòd 2021, which took place at Eden Court Theatre from the 8th to 16th October 2021, generated £1.2m for the economy in Inverness and the Highland Council area, as well as providing a huge social and cultural boost.
The 129 year-old event which celebrates Gaelic language and culture featured a variety of incredible competitions, performances and cultural activities, with 2,840 in-person attendees providing an economic uplift that helped support around 14 FTE jobs.
The national festival, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, elevated Inverness’ tourism and hospitality sector during a quieter month in 2021, after the industry faced a difficult year due to COVID. Participants surveyed were also found to be highly likely to revisit Inverness in the future.
The festival took a hybrid approach in 2021, with events taking place in-person and online. The online programme proved hugely successful, as all participants welcomed the approach and it was shown to help people overcome mental health issues brought on by lockdown.
Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival also strongly supported the development of Gaelic language and culture and overcame isolation caused by COVID restrictions. As well as being able to interact with fellow Gaelic speakers, learners and enthusiasts, attendees were able to reconnect with friends and family, bringing a huge morale boost to those isolated during lockdown.
Allan Campbell, An Comunn Gaidhealach President, said: “We are delighted that the 2021 Royal National Mòd has given the economy of Inverness and the surrounding area a significant boost in what was a difficult year for tourism in the city. It is especially gratifying because we were not certain until August if the Mòd could take place on a face-to-face basis.
“We are also absolutely delighted that the Mòd has played a crucial role in helping to offset the negative aspects of social isolation and some of the mental challenges caused by lockdown.
“We have seen yet again that having an online element is highly valued by participants and it has now become a permanent part of the overall programme, building on our experiences of 2020 and 2021.
“An Comunn congratulates all participants and organisers in making the 2021 Royal National Mòd a great success. We very much hope that the Mòd in Perth in 2022 can go ahead in full.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “We were delighted to support the Royal National Mòd through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund, established by EventScotland in
conjunction with funding from the Scottish Government. The Mòd shows the important role events play in our communities. It has brought significant economic impact to Inverness and the surrounding area as well as giving people the chance to connect and share memorable experiences through its programme of online and in-person events. Having such uniquely Scottish events in our calendar further strengthens the country’s outlook and position as a world-leading events destination and reinforces Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events.”
Cllr Calum Munro, Chair of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee, said: “The Mod’s economic boost to the Inverness and Highland economy is hugely welcome particularly during these
difficult COVID times. The cultural and social success of staging the event to a wider online audience is also highly encouraging for the future development of Gaelic.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “We were delighted that the Royal National Mòd 2021 took place both in person and online. Its impact in increasing the use and promotion of Gaelic is invaluable, and its economic impact consistently demonstrates how important Gaelic is to the Scottish economy.”
The Royal National Mòd is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Highland Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.
The Royal National Mòd ran in Inverness from the 8th - 16th October 2021. This year’s Mòd will take place in Perth from 14th - 22nd October 2022. For more information, visit https://www.ancomunn.co.uk/.
ACG Newsletter - January 2022
Published: 27 Jan 2022
Feasgair math!
The latest issue of the An Comunn Gàidhealach newsletter is available to view here:
https://bit.ly/Cuairt-litirFaoilleach2022
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue of the newsletter, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk.
Mòran taing!
John Macleod Memorial Lecture
Published: 19 Jan 2022
The fourth annual John Macleod Memorial Lecture will be held on Thursday 27th January 2022 at 7pm, in association with An Comunn Gàidhealach and Edinburgh University.
Iona Whyte will deliver this year’s lecture focusing on ‘Green Washing and the Carbon Footprint Myth’.
This talk is free and will take place online via Zoom. A translation service will be available for those who do not have Gaelic.
Come along and enjoy an informative and motivating evening!
Here is the link for registering to attend:
Happy New Year!
Published: 05 Jan 2022
Our team are now back to work after the festive break.
We hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year!
ACG Newsletter - December
Published: 24 Dec 2021
Here is the final issue of 2021!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!
Cuairt-litir Dubhlachd 2021 (ancomunn.co.uk)
ACG Newsletter - November
Published: 01 Dec 2021
The November issue of the An Comunn newsletter is available to view here.
Should you wish to contribute to a future issue, we would love to hear from you! Please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk.
Làn-Dùil nominated for Trad Award
Published: 30 Nov 2021
We’re very happy to have been involved in the Làn-Dùil project that has been nominated for a Trad Award in the Online Performance of 2021 category.
An Comunn Gàidhealach worked closely with Soisgeul to deliver the project.
Well done to all those nominated – we can’t wait to hear the results!
ACG Newsletter
Published: 30 Oct 2021
The October issue of the An Comunn newsletter is now available to view here: Cuairt-litir a’ Chomuinn - Damhair 2021
Should you wish to contribute to a future edition, please contact marina@ancomunn.co.uk
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