The Royal National Mòd is celebrating a successful and inspiring opening weekend for its Oban homecoming, further cementing its standing as the world’s premier Gaelic cultural event.
Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the principal Gaelic language festival celebration was founded in Oban in 1891 with the first event held in the picturesque coastal town the following year.
Music, art and sport have all been on the menu already this weekend. Gaelic speaking
football players gathered for the first of a two-day national team training camp
hosted by the Alba Football Association. The association was established to use football
as a force to connect, inspire and grow Scottish Gaelic through community football
activity.
Saturday also saw the much-anticipated Ar Cànan’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music)
concert at the Corran Halls.
The concert, musically directed by Sileas Sinclair and compered by John Joe MacNeil, presented an array of local talent including stunning performances from celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, Fèis Latharna musicians, Oban Gaelic Choir, The Garvins, Sorren MacLean and Hannah Fisher, and what is thought to be the world’s first Makaton Gaelic Choir, ‘Aon Ghuth’.
Unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions the sporting fixtures were cancelled yesterday. The Mòd Shinty Cups for all ages were rained off at Mossfield Playing Fields. Organisers plan to play some of the competitions at a later date if possible.
The shortlist for this year’s Highland Art Prize has 12 impressive works from across
Scotland hand-picked by celebrated artist and teacher Ishbel Murray. The winner will
be announced on Friday.
The annual Mòd church service held in Oban Parish Church was broadcast live on Radio nan Gàidheal. The Corran Halls played host to Celtic Praise featuring a beautiful performance from Celtic Worship.
Across the week there will be more opportunities to try out new sports and activities, with an orienteering Challenge for young Gaelic speakers and stand up paddleboarding sessions, a Lego building workshop and drone flying lessons also taking place.
Also to come, the competitions continue with Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of The Bands), drama final and the Gold Medal competition taking place on Wednesday. The coveted Traditional Gold Medal event is on Thursday.
Choirs from the Western Isles compete on Thursday while the larger regional groups take to the stage over Friday.
James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The outstanding musical and artistic talent on display at the Royal National Mòd 2024 here in Oban has set an incredible tone for the week ahead.
“From Mànran’s electrifying performance to the remarkable talent of local artists, the opening weekend has brought the Mòd’s birthplace to life in spectacular style. The Mòd has an incredible power to invigorate and inspire and this is already being felt as we hear Gaelic being spoken and sung in every corner of Oban.
“This weekend wasn’t just about the music— the church service and Celtic Praise concert provide an important opportunity for coming together in reflection and gratitude. It’s truly a joy to see Gaelic’s premier event kick off with such a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultural opportunities, celebrating the richness of our language.”
Royal National Mòd celebrates ‘inspiring’ opening weekend
13 October 2024
Ar Cànan’s Ar Ceòl event
