The Royal National Mòd, which took place in Oban in October, generated a £3.6 million economic boost to the region, a new report has found.
Scotland’s premier Gaelic event surpassed impact figures for its last five editions and was found to have had a hugely positive impact on the promotion of Gaelic language and culture and on enhancing participants’ wellbeing.
The outcome doubled the estimated impact from the previous year, exceeding anticipated targets and surpassing figures for the past five years.
This year’s economic impact report carried out by experts at Tourism Resources Company on behalf of organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach found the Mòd welcomed around 9,000 attendees for what was the largest attendance at the event in five years.
The positive impact on the reputation of and interest in the Gaelic language was found to be significant. Of 464 event attendees surveyed, 78% felt the Mòd led them to believe more strongly in the importance of Gaelic. For 64% it has increased their awareness and 60% their understanding of Gaelic arts.
The Oban Mòd also stimulated greater use of the language in daily life, with 67% encouraged to improve their Gaelic language skills and 65% inspired to use Gaelic more often. For 53% it enhanced their Gaelic skills and inspired 72% of respondents to attend Gaelic events and activities more frequently.
The event and Gaelic language’s ability to improve people’s wellbeing and tackle social isolation was also a major theme of the report. The Mòd was beneficial to the mental health of 71% of those surveyed, encouraged 75% to engage socially, and for 80% was a great way to meet friends.
Oban also benefited greatly from hosting the 132-year-old event for the seventeenth
time, with 96% rating the town as very good or good as a host destination as Oban
lived up to its reputation as the ‘cradle of the Mòd’. Almost all those surveyed,
98%, visited local restaurants, cafes and pubs, 90% visited local shops and 78% spent
time at local visitor attractions and places of interest.
Visitors were impressed by the event’s organisation, with 90% rating this as good or very good, while 94% rated it highly for its overall buzz and atmosphere, reflecting its strong sense of community spirit.
Spanning over 12 venues throughout the west coast town from 11 - 19 October, Scotland’s
annual celebration of Gaelic language, sports, art, and culture welcomed more than
2,700 participants to compete in around 200 competitions. The annual spectacle now
moves to Lochaber in 2025 for its ninth visit.
James Graham, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “This report firmly demonstrates that both the Mòd and the Gaelic language are crucial economic and cultural assets to Scotland.
“The Oban Mòd was a hugely successful event and to see the far-reaching benefits
that this has brought to our host town, local businesses and Gaelic speakers, learners
and supporters alike, fills us with an immense sense of pride.
“It’s fantastic to see Oban so highly thought of in this survey – the town rolled out the red carpet for us and we are incredibly grateful to all those who made the event such a success.
“We now look towards delivering the same results in Lochaber in 2025 and continuing to showcase our language and all that it has to offer.”
Lochs Choir won the Puirt-à-Beul competition in Oban
The Royal National Mòd generates £3.6 million boost for host town of Oban
19 December 2024
