The Royal National Mòd® 2024 continues today with a host of activities and competitions primarily for young people and learners.

Children’s and junior competitions will take centre stage across a range of disciplines, from solo and choral singing to storytelling and poetry. Flagship competitions including the Open 16-18 Provost of Falkirk Medal and Boys and Girls 13-15 James C. MacPhee Memorial Medal will welcome youngsters from across Scotland, from Inverness to Skye, to put their best vocals forward.

The five best bands from the U13 Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of The Bands Competitions) will perform at Argyllshire Gathering Halls this evening. The competition which showcases emerging talent on the Gaelic and traditional music scene will see the young bands vie for the top spot and recording time at a local studio. The final, alongside tomorrow night’s U19 final, will also be livestreamed for Scots at home and around the world to see.

There is also a packed schedule of engaging activities for young people and Gaelic learners running throughout this week, from digital storytelling to ceilidhs. The exciting array of events provide fantastic opportunities to immerse in Gaelic culture while attending Gaelic’s premier event.

For younger Gaelic speakers, the Sradagan Gaelic Club is offering a variety of fun and interactive activities at Oban’s Guide Hall. Running from 10am - 12 noon until Wednesday, this children’s club includes arts and crafts, parachute games, and ball games, creating a fantastic opportunity for primary school-aged children to gather, play, and practice their Gaelic.

At the Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Sruth drop-in sessions are running from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm today and tomorrow. This informal event offers young Gaelic speakers the chance to meet some of Gaeldom’s well-known figures and practice their language skills in a relaxed setting.

Over at Oban Youth Café from 10am-12pm today and tomorrow, the Cruth digital storytelling session invites young creatives to immerse themselves in content creation and video production. Participants will capture the vibrant spirit of the Mòd and learn new skills in digital media in the sessions run by FilmG.

Song, verse and story sessions will also come to the fore for Bookbug at Rockfield Centre’s Art Space, which also hosts an Art Session this afternoon. Last year’s Gaelic Ambassador and CBeebies ALBA presenter Linda MacLeod will also welcome youngsters for Leugh is Sinn le Linda (Read and Sing with Linda).

At 6:30pm this evening and tomorrow evening, the whole family is invited along to the Family Cèilidh at the Corran Halls. Filled with traditional Scottish music, dancing, and games, this event is perfect for families wanting to experience the joy of Gaelic culture together.

There will also be an Early Years Cèilidh taking place at the Guide Hall tomorrow at 1pm that is especially tailored for families with younger children. This session will provide a fun and gentle introduction to the traditional music and dances that form the heart of Gaelic culture.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “It is an incredibly exciting time to be a young Gael and the Mòd is the perfect opportunity for the next generation to embrace all that their language has to offer. Hearing young Gaelic voices raised together right across Oban is an absolute joy and there is no better way to get a full week of competitions underway. There are non-stop activities for all ages and levels on offer today and tomorrow and I would encourage children and parents to get involved and seize these wonderful opportunities.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, BID4Oban, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd runs in Oban until Saturday 19 October. Tickets for select events are on sale at our Eventbrite page.

For more information, visit our website.

The fringe programme is available to view here.

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Piping competitions and a vibrant showcase of music, art and culture on display at Mòd’s Oban homecoming

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 in 1892. This Oban Mòd is set to stage a further six days of celebrations, with Celtic sensations Trail West closing the iconic festival this Saturday.

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.

Last night also saw the much-anticipated Ar Cànan’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert at the Corran Halls for what was a truly special showcase of Argyll musical prowess.

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 historic 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 also been unveiled, with 12 impressive works from across Scotland hand-picked by celebrated artist and teacher Ishbel Murray. Outstanding works which have made the coveted roll call are:

This year’s winner will be announced at a prestigious prize giving ceremony at the Rockfield Centre on Friday 18^th October.

• Blue Grey Sea, Cille Pheadair, South Uist/Sé Liath, Cille Pheadair, South Uist by Caroline Hunter from Artmap Argyll
• Dùthchas: Pabaigh Strollers by Yasmin Davidson of Uist Arts Association
• In the Wilds/Anns an Fhàsach by David Deamer from Resipole Studios, Ardnamurchan
• Inverewe - Branches Make Trees by Catherine Sargeant of An Talla Solais in Ullapool
• Metamorphic (2023) by Laura Donkers of Uist Arts Association
• Rust, Trotternish by John Nicholson at Art Society of Inverness
• Snow Colours, Moray Firth by Jude Edgar from An Talla Solais, Ullapool
• The Edge of the Atlantic 3 by Lesley McKenzie of Open Studios Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis
• The Vast Expanse/An Leud Mòr by Jane Rushton of Resipole Studios in Ardnamurchan
• The Vennel by Katie Squires from the Society of Caithness Artists;
• Travelling Alone by Jules Mather from Artmap Argyll
• 240 Burning Houses by Michael Forbes of the Teapot Trust, Dingwall.

Today, the annual Mòd Church Service will be held at Oban Parish Church at 3pm and will be broadcast live around the country on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. Tonight, The Corran Halls will play 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 taking place tomorrow and Stand Up Paddleboarding sessions, a lego building workshop and drone flying lessons also taking place throughout the festival.

Also to come, the competitions continue with Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of The Bands Competitions) taking place on Monday and Tuesday this week, the Literature Prize Giving, Mòd Drama Final and Gold Medal competition taking place on Wednesday, the coveted Traditional Gold Medal final taking place on Thursday and much-loved choir competitions on 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— today’s 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.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, Bid4Oban, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd runs in Oban until Saturday 19 October. Tickets for select events are on sale at our Eventbrite page.

For more information, visit our website.

The fringe programme is available to view here.

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​Gaelic Learner of the Year and Friends of the Mòd announced as piping competitions and a concert celebrating Argyll talent feature on today’s programme

The Royal National Mòd is underway for 2024, as a busy day of traditional music competitions began in Oban this morning.

The nine-day festival kicked off in sparkling style last night, with the much-loved Torchlight Procession lighting up the town’s streets. Undeterred by the west coast weather, the Oban community came out in force to witness the spectacle and follow the procession along the town’s seafront esplanade.

Multi-award-winning Scottish supergroup Mànran then performed to a packed Corran Halls, marking the beginning of the Mòd’s return to its historic home in fitting style.

Yesterday also brought the announcement of this year’s Gaelic Learner of the Year and the Friends of the Mòd. Selected by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the honour is this year given to Harry Josephine Giles (she/they). Originally from Orkney and now based in Leith, Harry Josephine completed the immersion course CertHE Gàidhlig is Conaltradh at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig last year and finished top of her class – a remarkable achievement considering she started learning Gaelic just over two years ago.

As well as excelling in her studies, she supported her peers, speaking Gaelic exclusively around campus and setting an example of excellent scholarship for fellow students. Harry Josephine is a renowned author, and her verse novel in Scots, Deep Wheel Orcadia, won the 2022 Arthur C. Clarke Award. She has a PhD in creative writing, and two MAs – one in Drama Directing and one in Sustainable Development. She now plans to continue studying remotely with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in her second year.

Gaelic Learner of the Year, Harry Josephine Giles, said: “I feel so lucky to have learned Gaelic. Along with the language, I’ve made new friends, sung new songs and heard new stories. More than that, I have a broader perspective on the history, culture and people of the country - of my own country. I know full well that I only have a little Gaelic so fast, but with that I’m very grateful that I have so much more to learn! - and so also very grateful for the honour of this prize.”

The Friends of the Mòd awards honour the significant contribution and achievement of individuals in relation to their support of Gaelic and Mòds. The latest recipients to enter a Caraid a’ Mhòid Hall of Fame for their contributions are Moira and Sandy Dunlop from Connel, Oban’s own Ishbel Banks, Margaret Farmer from Tarbert, Loch Fyne, and Harris native Jon ‘Hearach’ MacDonald.

Moira and Sandy Dunlop have been volunteering at Local and National Mòds for several years. Having only been exposed to Gaelic on television, Moira moved to Oban from Lanarkshire to work in the local primary school, and it was there that she fell in love with Gaelic culture and the music scene, accompanying the school choir to Mòds. As parents of four, they always enjoy being at venues, keeping parents calm and ensuring the event is an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Ishbel Banks first competed at the Mòd aged nine, at the 1949 Glasgow Mòd. Her father, a Gaelic speaker from Sutherland, sparked her early interest in Gaelic music and culture. Her late husband, Robin Banks, was the secretary of Commun Gàidhealach an Òbain. Through 51 years of marriage, Ishbel was always involved behind the scenes, and would often be seen at the adjudication sheets table waiting to give competitors their all-important results and feedback.

Margaret Farmer has been singing in choirs since she was 10 years old. Initially with the school choir, led by her father, then the Oban High School choir and latterly Oban Gaelic Choir. Margaret places great value on her ‘choir family’ — not only for the singing of Gaelic songs, but also for the social aspect of being in a choir. Along with fellow dedicated volunteers, Margaret has been instrumental in the Mòd Academy project which has allowed children in her locality to have support with their competition pieces.

Originally from Lingerbay in Harris, Jon ‘Hearach’ MacDonald has lived and worked in the Inverness area for many years. He first attended the Mòd in 1966 in Inverness itself, and his wife and daughter were frequent entrants into the singing competitions. Jon has been a long-time benefactor of the Mòd through his own Inverness-based business.

The Alba Football Association, which was established to use football as a force to connect, inspire and grow Scottish Gaelic through community football activity, will host its National Team Training Camp at Oban High School across the weekend. The football camp aims to engage the team with the Gaelic community during Mòd week.

Unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions the historic sporting fixtures have been cancelled. The Mòd Shinty Cups for all ages have been rained off today at Mossfield Playing Fields. Organisers will try to play some of the competitions at a later date if possible.

Fierce competition will also be on display at today’s piping competitions, with the Junior Piping Competitions taking place at Oban High School as under 16s and 16-18 year olds compete for national recognition. The Senior Piping events also get underway and will feature Premier A Grade and B Grade competitions, both with a Pìobaireachd and a March, Strathspey and Reel.

Tonight will see the return of the beloved Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert at Corran Halls. A fantastic night of traditional music and Gaelic culture with performers of all ages from all over Argyll, the concert will showcase local talent including celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, Fèis Latharna musicians and Makaton Gaelic Choir ‘Aon Ghuth’, who combine Gaelic singing with the Makaton communication system of signs and symbols.

Tomorrow marks the return of the annual Mòd Church Service, which takes place at 3pm at Oban Parish Church and will be broadcast live around the country on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. In the evening, Celtic Worship will lead an informal evening of Celtic Praise at Corran Halls.

Maggie Cunningham, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The Mòd is officially underway now after last night’s stunning opening concert from Mànran, getting proceedings off to a very special start. Today, we dive straight into the heart of things with a highlight of the Mòd calendar – the piping competitions. We are saddened to have to postpone the shinty cups today due to bad weather but we hope to play these at a later date if possible.

“It’s fantastic to bring the Mòd back here to its historic home in Oban – the atmosphere is incredible as we go into the second day of the event. Once the competitions are done for the day, we have a wonderful concert to look forward to, showcasing the very best musical talent from the local area and beyond, which is a must-see for locals and visitors alike.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, Bid4Oban, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd runs in Oban until Saturday 19 October. Tickets for select events are on sale at our Eventbrite page.

For more information, visit our website.

The fringe programme is available to view here.

« Back to Mòd News List

​Homecoming for the Mòd as Gaelic Ambassadors announced

Oban welcomes the long-awaited return of The Royal National Mòd® today – the premier Gaelic cultural spectacle held in a different Scottish town each year – for what will be the biggest edition of the event in five years and a return to its spiritual birthplace.

The prestigious event will celebrate all things Gaelic language, culture and music in the streets and venues around the Argyll town between now and Saturday 19 October.

The historic event was first held in Oban in 1892, some 132 years ago and last returned in 2015. This will be its seventeenth outing in the town and one to remember, with around 10,000 competitors, performers and visitors estimated to attend over the coming nine days to soak up a packed programme of concerts, competitions, exhibitions, sessions and sport.

A dazzling torchlit procession through the streets of Oban led by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, members of An Comunn Gàidhealach and the local organising committee will get things formally underway this evening, before history-making Scottish music outfit Mànran take to the stage in front of a packed Corran Halls crowd. Tomorrow night will see Argyll talent of all ages shine for Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert.

The town itself has also rolled out the red carpet, with dozens of local businesses in and around Oban taking part in a window dressing competition, bringing their premises to life with the look and feel of the Mòd in a display of welcoming warmth.

The opening day of the Mòd is also marked with the unveiling of this year’s Gaelic Ambassador of the Year – a Scottish Government honour presented to outstanding Gael who have dedicated their lives to championing the language.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will present this year’s honour to two individuals originally from the Isle of Lewis – educator and development expert Margaret MacIver and posthumously to Gaelic activist Finlay MacLeod.

Margaret MacIver has dedicated years to the study and sharing of Gaelic, teaching the language for 15 years in secondary schools in Beauly, Inverness, Glasgow and Oban before moving into Gaelic Development. She worked the length and breadth of Scotland with the then Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) and Comunn na Gàidhlig. Margaret was instrumental in the growth of Gaelic Medium Education – achievements included the set up of a Gaelic Education Action Group, teacher recruitment campaigns and overseeing the first ever national survey ever on the needs of Gaelic learners. Margaret was responsible for the launch of the national parental organisation, Comann Nam Pàrant (Nàiseanta), which has now become the most influential community body operating on behalf of Gaelic education, and setting up the first professional Association of Gaelic Secondary Teachers, CLAS. Margaret later went on to become a Gaelic Lecturer at Aberdeen University and has been involved with many organisations including as Secretary of The Celtic Congress. This year marks 50 years since she first adjudicated at the Royal National Mòd.

Finlay MacLeod spent his life campaigning for the Gaelic language and the introduction of the language at pre-school age. He travelled extensively throughout the country, lobbying politicians and parents, and was the first person to obtain funding from the HIDB for a Gaelic language project. Finlay opened his first Gaelic pre-school in Oban in 1981 and others quickly followed. He went on to lead Comhairle Nan Sgoiltean Àraich for many years before setting up his own Moray Language Centre, based in Banffshire, where he wrote and developed courses for pre-school, early primary children and parents. Finlay’s work has gained international recognition and seen him work with indigenous language partners around the world. Remembered as a missionary for Gaelic, Finlay attended the Royal National Mòd each year and was one of the great Gaelic activists of recent times. Finlay MacLeod’s sister Margaret Wilks will collect the award on his behalf.

Margaret MacIver said: “I consider this award a huge honour and I am greatly indebted to An Comunn Gàidhealach for considering me a suitable recipient of this year’s title of Gaelic Ambassador. It is indeed a most humbling experience for me.”

Margaret Wilks said: “I am proud to accept this posthumous award on behalf of my late brother Finlay. It recognises his lifelong work to help ensure the survival of the Gaelic language. Finlay would be delighted, as I am, to know that the award is shared with our cousin Mairead.”

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “What a feeling to be back in Oban for this milestone Mòd as we welcome thousands of Gaels and Gaelic supporters to the town to honour our language and culture. The Gaelic language continues to have an irreplaceable place in daily Scottish life and over the next nine days we will see that strengthened and celebrated. I would like to pay tribute to our Gaelic Ambassadors for 2024 whose passion for Gaelic as an active, growing language richly deserves such recognition. The next nine days will be a real demonstration of how the language is thriving, underpinned by incredible cultural output and a strong sense of community.”

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes said: “It is fitting to see the Mòd return home to Oban as we mark an increase in Gaelic speakers for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Ceud mìle fàilte. It’s a joy to see the Royal National Mòd back in its home, in Oban, after nearly a decade. The Mòd plays a valuable cultural and economic role in Argyll and Bute, past, present and future. As a council, and as communities, we’re proud to support the event and welcome the thousands of talented people who will congregate in Oban over the next week to celebrate our Gaelic culture. I hope you enjoy some of the sights and hospitality of Argyll and Bute while you are with us. Best of luck in the events.”

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland, said: “We are proud to support the Royal National Mòd through EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme. The Royal National Mòd is an incredibly important and unique celebration of Gaelic language, culture, and music. It’s fantastic to hear about the engaging and inspirational programme of events, and that so many businesses have embraced the Mòd look and feel. We know that visitors and locals alike will be given the warmest of welcomes and be captivated by all that Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival has to offer.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “An Oban Mòd is always special and Bòrd na Gàidhlig would like to wish everyone involved across the town all the best for a wonderful week. It is always important to celebrate the work of people who have made significant contributions to Gaelic across our communities, and Margaret MacIver and Finlay MacLeod both deserve the recognition of being named Gaelic Ambassadors.”

In addition to the host of in-person events held across the week, a clutch of events will be livestreamed to Gaels around the world including this evening’s Mànran gig, Saturday night’s Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert and Monday and Tuesday evening’s Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of the Bands) finals. Highlights of flagship competitions will also be broadcast from Monday to Friday next week on BBC ALBA.

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd takes place in Oban until 19 October 2024. Tickets for select events are on sale at https://ancomunn.eventbrite.co.uk/.

For more information, visit www.ancomunn.co.uk. The fringe programme is available to view here https://shorturl.at/2bvh5.

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With this year’s Royal National Mòd set to make its much-anticipated return to Oban in October, the picturesque coastal town is gearing up to host a jam-packed programme of fierce competitions and Celtic music, art and sport with exciting fringe events and activities for all ages to enjoy.

The premier Scottish cultural celebration will be held in the town between 11 - 19 October 2024, giving the people of Oban and visitors from all over the world the chance to appreciate the beautiful and rich heritage of Scotland and the Gaelic language and culture.

With less than two weeks to go, here are organisers’ 10 top picks of things to see and do at this year’s Mòd.

1. Opening Concert with Mànran

Hot on the heels of an incredible performance at the newly rebooted Lochaber Live, multi award-winning trad supergroup Mànran will open proceedings with an electrifying concert at Corran Halls on Friday 11^th October, starting off the week in spectacular style. Renowned globally for their electrifying live performances, Mànran has captivated audiences with their innovative blend of traditional and modern instruments and exceptional Gaelic and English songs. Their unique sound has earned them international acclaim and a devoted fan base around the world.

1. Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music Concert)

Saturday 12^th October will see the return of the beloved Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert at The Corran Halls. A fantastic night of traditional music and Gaelic culture with performers of all ages from all over Argyll, the concert will showcase local talent including celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, Fèis Latharna musicians and Makaton Gaelic Choir ‘Aon Ghuth’, who combine singing with the Makaton communication system of signs and symbols.

1. Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of the Bands)

This year’s Mòd sees the return of the fierce Battle of the Bands competitions, showcasing the emerging talent on the Gaelic and traditional music scene. The under-13s final will take place on Monday 14^th October at Argyllshire Gathering Halls, while the under-19s final will be held on Tuesday 15^th October. The successful finalists in each category will battle it out for the top prize of studio time at a local recording studio. A fantastic chance to see the next generation of Celtic talent take to the stage.

1. Torchlight Procession
Opening proceedings for this year’s Royal National Mòd, the Torchlight Procession will make its welcome return on Friday 11^th October, setting off from Station Square as night falls to light up the town in celebration of the event’s return to its historic home. All are welcome to come along and join in the festivities.

2. Mòd Shinty Cups Taking place on Saturday 12^th October from 10:30am at Mossfield Park, young players from across Argyll will compete for the Mòd Shinty Youth Cup, before the women’s match gets underway at 12pm with top teams going head to head for the Women’s Shinty Mòd Cup. The men’s cup match will begin at 2pm, with Gaeldom’s best teams vying for the coveted trophy in what is always a hotly contested clash. Free to attend, this event is a must-see for sports fans.

3. Hebridean Baker Book Launch Social media star and baking sensation Coinneach MacLeod, known as The Hebridean Baker, will host a special book launch especially for the Mòd at the Rockfield Centre on Thursday 17^th October. The Hebridean Baker and The Hebridean Hutter, Padruig MacQueen, will share stories, songs and craic as part of this exclusive event.

4. Highland Art Prize Exhibition and Competition Art will once again be in the mix at this year’s Mòd, with this year’s Highland Art Prize entrants on display in the Ash Room at the Rockfield Centre from Friday 11^th - Saturday 19^th October. The official unveiling of this year’s shortlist will take place from 5:30pm on Saturday 12^th October, before the prestigious prize giving ceremony at 12:30pm on Friday 18^th October, where this year’s winner will be announced. Both events and the exhibition are free for all to attend.

5. Let’s Make a Scene Open Mic A cross between an open mic night and a cèilidh, Let’s Make a Scene offers a chance to perform and enjoy new music and writing in a friendly and informal setting at the Rockfield Centre on the evening of Thursday 17^th October. Anyone with a new poem, story or song in any language is welcome to come along on the night and put their name down to take part, with those just wanting to listen also very welcome. Pieces on subjects connected to language, heritage, place and identity - from Scotland and beyond - are especially encouraged.

6. Massed Choirs One of the final events of the 2024 Royal National Mòd will see massed choirs gather outside the Corran Halls on Saturday 19^th October before marching to Station Square. Bringing all the choirs who have competed across the week together to sing in unison, this is a truly uplifting spectacle. All are welcome to join the talented singers for a moment of reflection as they welcome the final day of the world-renowned festival before the flag is handed over to Lochaber for 2025.

7. The Mòd Grand Finale with Trail West At the end of the event’s nine days, on the evening of Saturday 19^th October, The Mòd Grand Finale will welcome West Coast favourites Trail West to Corran Halls to close out the 2024 edition of Gaeldom’s premier musical and cultural event with a bang.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “With less than two weeks to go before this year’s Royal National Mòd gets underway in Oban, we’re very excited to share our top picks of the fringe events on offer. From music and art to sports and literature, there really is something for everyone. We would encourage people to have a look at the full programme to plan out their time in beautiful Oban and the surrounding areas, whether they’re travelling to join us or live locally and want to make the most of having the Mòd on their doorstep. We look forward to welcoming everyone so soon for the premier celebration of Gaelic language, music and culture.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd takes place in Oban from 11 - 19 October 2024. Tickets for select events are on sale here via Eventbrite.

For more information, visit our website.

The fringe programme is available to view here.

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​An Comunn Gàidhealach met two members of the Darach band who won Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of The Bands) at Mòd Phàislig last year. They were awarded a session at JJ Recordings in Paisley and we would like to thank Jamie who worked so well with Kathleen and Orin while they were recording their tracks. We’re sure we’ll see them on stage again soon!

We wish every success to the bands taking part in this year’s competition. Tickets for this, and other select events at The Royal National Mòd® in Oban, are available to order here on Eventbrite.

Samples of the band’s work can be played below:

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