The 2023 Royal National Mòd drew to a close on Saturday with musical voices from across the country joining together in Paisley, marking the end of the spectacular nine day event.
This morning’s massed choirs performance saw choirs who have competed across this week gather to sing in joyful unison outside Paisley Town Hall, along with some members of Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band.
The Mòd flag was then handed over to Oban, who will host the 2024 edition of the beloved festival. The Argyll town is known as the “home of the Mòd”, with the festival founded there in 1891, some 132 years ago.
Spanning over 20 venues throughout the Renfrewshire town, Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, sports, art, and culture saw approximately 8,000 visitors gather in Paisley.
The Mòd will have generated over £2 million for the local economy, it is estimated.
Attendees from Harris to New Zealand descended on the town to watch as the 2,000 participants competed in over 200 competitions.
The winner of the Mòd’s Highland Art Prize was revealed on Friday at The Briggait Hall in Glasgow.
David Greenall of An Lanntair took the top prize with his painting entitled Crofts at South Dell. His painting was selected from a shortlist of 10 pieces chosen by renowned Lewis artist and art teacher Ishbel Murray. As the winner, David will have the opportunity to present his work in an exhibition at The Briggait next year, courtesy of Wasps.
Friday night saw an incredible performance from d/Deaf singer Evie Waddell, who delighted crowds at Paisley Town Hall. The self-
The final fringe event was a sold out concert from folk-
The Isle of Skye natives are set to take their electrifying mix of Gaelic, Scots and English folk songs infused with cinematic electronica to Paisley Town Hall, bringing Mòd Paisley to a fitting close. Tonight’s closing concert will also mark the very first time Niteworks, SAY Award nominees and one of the world’s biggest Gaelic bands, have played to audiences in Paisley.
Ruairidh Graham of Niteworks said: "It's a real privilege to be closing this year's Royal National Mòd in Paisley. You can't really grow up within Gaelic culture and not have had some connection to the Mòd, and for it have influenced you in some form or another. It's great to see how it has been evolving in recent years with a host of fringe activities that are pulling in new audiences, and we are thrilled to be a part of that with this gig."
James Graham, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of this year's Mòd in Paisley. The vibrant atmosphere, rich displays of Gaelic language and culture, and the warm hospitality of Paisley's community have truly made this year’s event exceptional.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the dedicated attendees and volunteers who have contributed to this Mòd's triumph.
“We must also give special mention to our participants and competitors, without whom the Mòd could not exist. Well done to everyone who has taken part this year; the standard has been incredibly high and a privilege to see.
“We are proud to have brought our Gaelic festival of culture and song back to Paisley after a decade, and are looking forward to tonight’s performance from Niteworks. Their fusion of tradition and innovation is a perfect fit for the festival, demonstrating the strength and diversity of Gaelic culture, and is sure to end proceedings on a high.
“We now look forward to Oban next year, when we will return to the home of the Mòd! We hope the festival will bring a boost in culture and tourism to the town and I’m sure attendees will enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm west coast hospitality that Oban has to offer.”
Triumphant finale for Mòd as flag is passed to Oban
22 October 2023