​The Royal National Mòd will return to its birthplace, it has been confirmed today, as Oban is officially selected as the host location for the 2028 edition of the premier Gaelic language, culture and arts festival.

Known as the cradle of the Mòd, having staged the first ever edition of the world-class event in 1892, Oban proved itself to be the reigning seat of Gaelic celebration when it most recently hosted a hugely successful edition of the event in 2024.

The announcement – made during Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) – follows Full Council approval today, where Argyll and Bute officials recognised the cultural, economic and educational benefits of regularly hosting the Royal National Mòd.

The world’s largest Scottish Gaelic festival takes place across nine days in October at a different location each year, staging hundreds of competitions, concerts, cèilidhs, workshops, talks, and sessions.

2024 was the 17^th time Oban had hosted the Royal National Mòd in the event’s 133 year history. The cultural extravaganza welcomed 9,000 attendees and brought a pitch perfect £3.6 million economic boost to the area – success that organisers are keen to build on in two years’ time.

Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Each time we travel to Oban, the town lives up to its reputation as the ‘cradle of the Mòd’, so we are delighted to be returning for the 18th time in 2028. With a dedicated local committee in place, the valuable support of the Council and the enthusiasm of Argyll audiences, we know we are set to deliver another stand-out Royal National Mòd. Each host location brings something special to the event and no doubt the warmth and fun to be found at an Oban Mòd will be on full display once again.”

Innes MacQueen, Chair of Comunn Gàidhealach an Òbain, said: “Comunn Gàidhealach an Òbain are delighted to welcome back the National Mòd in 2028. Following its success in 2024, we look forward to working with An Comunn Gàidhealach, Argyll & Bute Council and the wider Oban community to ensure the Mòd in Oban in 2028 is an event our town can be proud of. Our Gaelic language and culture has an important place in the Oban community and we look forward to celebrating and building on that in the preparations and delivery of the Royal National Mòd in 2028.”

Councillor Luna Martin, Policy Lead for Gaelic, Argyll and Bute Council: “We are delighted that the Royal National Mòd will return to Oban in 2028. The event is a vital celebration of Gaelic language and culture, strengthening our traditions while showcasing our rich heritage. Hosting the Mòd brings clear cultural and economic benefits, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and demonstrating Argyll and Bute’s capacity to deliver major national events. We look forward to working with An Comunn to help ensure another successful and inspiring festival.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd will take place in Glasgow, from 9 – 17 October 2026, before travelling to the Western Isles in 2027 to be staged from 8 – 16 October 2027.

The Royal National Mòd 2028 will take place in Oban from 6 – 14 October.

​Organisers of the Royal National Mòd, Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language and culture, have officially opened entries for this year’s event in Glasgow. Set to return to Scotland’s biggest city from 9 – 17 October 2026, the 134-year-old event will make a meaningful return to Gaelic’s urban heartland this autumn.

The National Mòd has a storied history in Glasgow, having been held there 12 times, most recently in 2019.

Home to a passionate community of Gaelic learners and speakers, a dynamic arts and music scene, range of outstanding venues, and a proven track record for hosting world-class events, the city is primed to prove itself the perfect backdrop for the 2026 edition.

Event organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach are now on the hunt for competitors of all ages, and from all art disciplines, to submit their entries to be part of the biggest Scottish Gaelic event in the world, marking a significant milestone on the road to the festival.

Last year’s event in Lochaber was a resounding success, with 1,900 competitors getting involved.

Over nine days, the Mòd will once again stage a range of competitions, including choral singing, solo singing, accordion, fiddle, clàrsach, drama, poetry, storytelling, art and Battle of the Bands.

Competitors have until midnight on Sunday 31 May to submit their entries here (enter.ancomunn.co.uk).

Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “All roads lead to Glasgow in 2026 as the Mòd returns to Scotland’s largest city. Launching competition entries is an important milestone on our journey towards the event and we are eager to have a repeat of last year’s fantastic turnout. Competitions are the backbone of the Mòd and an essential ingredient in helping people improve their Gaelic language skills. They also foster friendship, pride and a strong sense of community. Inclusivity is at the heart of our event, with every facet of Gaelic culture getting its moment in the spotlight. We would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this year’s highly anticipated event in Glasgow.”

Each year, the Royal National Mòd travels to a different Scottish host location and serves as the nation’s leading festival for Gaelic language, culture, sport and the arts.

In addition to the competitions, a bustling fringe programme brings concerts, cèilidhs, workshops, talks, and sessions to venues citywide.

The Mòd consistently delivers economic and cultural benefits to its host communities, championing and uplifting the Gaelic language in contemporary Scotland.

The Royal National Mòd returns to Glasgow in 2026, from 9 – 17 October. Competition entries close Sunday 31 May.

Click here to enter.

Important files relating to The Royal National Mòd® Glasgow 2026 such as rules, guidelines, syllabi and amendments to prescribed pieces can be downloaded here.