Perth rings out with joyful sound of hundreds of singers as Royal National Mòd draws to a close

The Royal National Mòd closed with a massed choirs event in Perth, marking the end of the nine-day festival’s vibrant programme of cultural events and competitions.

The Mòd flag was handed over to Paisley, the previously announced hosts of next year’s Mòd.

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.

Friday saw the area choirs events with Oban Gaelic Choir, conducted by Sileas Sinclair, taking 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.

Cumbernauld Gaelic Choir won the Puirt-à-beul while Argyll’s Atomic Piseag were top in the area choir ladies’ competition.

Elsewhere, Mull Gaelic Choir took first place in the Harmony Singing competition, while Badenoch was the winning Waulking Group, and Glasgow Gaelic Choir - the Ggs - 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.

James Graham, chief executive 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 and Kinross Council leader 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 rings out with joyous sound of hundreds of singers as Royal National Mòd draws to a close

23 October 2022