The Western Isles has been chosen to host the Royal National Mòd in 2027 it has been announced.
Three years from now, the eight-day event will return to the Western Isles for the
seventh time. The Mòd will be held in venues around Stornoway between 8 - 16 October
2027. The dates coincide with the autumn school holidays.
The Western Isles have a deep-seated Gaelic heritage with the highest percentage
of Gaelic speakers in Scotland.
The Mòd was last held here in 2016, providing a £2.4 million boost to the local economy and welcoming over 7,500 visitors.
The annual celebration of Gaelic language and culture takes place in a different location every October.
This October the Mòd is being held in Oban, always a great favourite town for the event. Next year, it heads to Lochaber.
The hosts of the 2026 event was today confirmed to be Glasgow which last hosted the Mòd in 2019.
James Graham, chief executive of Mòd organisers, An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are thrilled to announce that The Royal National Mòd will be returning to Glasgow in 2026, and the Western Isles in 2027.
“Both areas have hosted highly successful editions of the Mòd before and we’re delighted to be returning to these communities, both with such strong Gaelic heritage and history, to celebrate all things related to the language and culture.
“We look forward to working with the local councils and branches of An Comunn Gàidhealach to deliver what I’m sure will be two more fantastic events.”
Comhairle convener, Kenny Macleod, said: “The comhairle is hugely supportive of the Royal National Mòd and we are delighted to have the event returning to the Western Isles in 2027, for the first time in eleven years.
“As everyone is aware, the islands remain a stronghold of the Gaelic language and culture and having the premier Gaelic event here will give the language yet another boost.”
Donald Macsween, chairman of the comhairle’s Gaelic committee, said: “This is fantastic
news for the islands and will provide a real showcase for the vast wealth of talent
that exists in the Gaelic-speaking community, especially among our young people.
“Those attending the Mòd can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome in 2027 and I am sure it will be a great success.”
Glasgow is renowned for its strong links to the Gaelic language, culture and community, with many talented traditional musicians, singers and Gaelic speakers hailing from or choosing to settle in the thriving area.
Glasgow last hosted the event the year before the pandemic, when more than 12,000 people flocked to the city to compete and take part in the array of events on offer, generating over £3.2 million for the local economy.
Eighty one percent of visitors that came to Glasgow during this time did so to celebrate Scottish culture at the Mòd.
Glasgow Life Head of Events, Julie Pearson, said: “The return of The Royal National Mòd in 2026 is great news for Glasgow.
“The city is internationally renowned as an outstanding, welcoming destination for events and the Mòd held here in 2019 was a resounding success, attracting competitors and audiences from far and wide and contributing significantly to the local economy.
“Hosting this leading celebration of Gaelic culture reflects our commitment to supporting and promoting creative opportunities for Gaelic, including events and learning programmes.
“We recognise the importance of offering Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike the
chance to experience and enjoy performances rooted in and exploring Gaelic culture,
so we are very much looking forward to welcoming this prestigious national contest
once again in October 2026.”
The Royal National Mòd attracts Gaelic communities from across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, the USA and beyond to celebrate the language as well as Scottish traditional music, song, drama, literature, art and sport.
Royal National Mòd set to return to the Western Isles
4 June 2024
