City poised for record-breaking edition of world’s largest Scottish Gaelic festival

ALBA FA founder Calum Ferguson named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year

Glasgow is saying ‘fàilte’, ‘welcome’, to the Royal National Mòd as the world’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, music and culture takes over the city for nine spectacular days.

Around 10,000 competitors, performers and visitors are expected to soak up the scenes of celebration, camaraderie and creativity in the City of the Gaels – Baile Mòr nan Gàidheal – as the historic, multi-arts festival delivers a special Scottish cultural experience for all.

An ambitious programme of almost 300 concerts, competitions, art exhibitions, sessions, film screenings, processions, literature events and sporting spectacles get underway today, designed for everyone to enjoy – from lifelong speakers and new learners, to those experiencing Gaelic culture for the very first time.

Founded in the Victorian era, the event is held in a different Scottish town annually and is still attracting and engaging thousands. Glasgow first played host in 1895 and the city has welcomed the event 12 times since, most recently in 2019.

Its return to Glasgow comes at a time of real momentum for the language. The city boasts one of the fastest growing numbers of Gaelic learners and this year’s edition of the event has attracted record entries, with more than 2,000 people – aged between four and 80 – set to take part

Running until Saturday 17 October, 16 Glasgow venues including the Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, National Piping Centre, City of Glasgow College and Edward House, will welcome visitors from across Scotland and beyond.

The Mòd opens tonight with a fitting celebration of 40 years of Gaelic Medium Education in the city. Ar Cànan ’s ar Ceòl will pay tribute to the generations of campaigners, educators and families who have helped the language flourish in the city through music, song and specially commissioned film.

The Mòd’s opening day is marked with the announcement of Gaelic Ambassador of the Year – a Scottish Government award that recognises the outstanding contribution an individual has made to the Gaelic language.

The honour is this year bestowed to ALBA FA founder Calum Ferguson, who has used Scotland’s national game to promote and strengthen Gaelic by creating new opportunities for people to speak, learn and use the language.

Born in Inverness and educated in Gaelic-medium education, Calum’s football career took him from Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s youth academy to playing professionally in Canada and New Zealand. His experiences overseas inspired him to see how language and football could be combined, and so his Gaelic advocacy work began.

ALBA FA now delivers Gaelic community and youth football programmes in Glasgow and across the Highlands and Islands and established Scotland’s first international Gaelic football team. Calum also brings Gaelic to life for social media audiences and is a regular contributor to SpeakGaelic.

Gaelic Ambassador Calum Ferguson said: “I am honoured and humbled to be named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year by An Comunn Gàidhealach and The Scottish Government. I would like to thank everyone who has believed in the project over the years and assisted with funding support towards the Alba FA. Without that collective community effort and guidance this achievement would never have been possible.”

Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “For the next nine days, Glasgow will be filled with music, performance and conversation for the Royal National Mòd. A highlight of the year for many, it is a precious opportunity to speak, sing, share stories and enjoy the spirit of friendship at the heart of this event. Glasgow and Gaelic go hand in hand and the city always welcomes the event with such warmth so we’re delighted to be looking at a record-breaking edition. The Mòd is a vibrant, multi-arts festival where centuries of tradition sit alongside contemporary music and culture – we would encourage everyone to get involved!”

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan said: “I am honoured to open the Royal National Mòd and present Calum Ferguson of Alba FA with the award for Gaelic Ambassador of the Year.

“The Mòd makes a seminal contribution to Scottish life, providing a national platform for Gaelic and making it accessible to people from all backgrounds, while drawing competitors from across the globe.

“In Gaelic, Glasgow’s nickname is “Baile Mòr nan Gàidheal” – the Great City of the Gaels – reflecting the home many Gaelic-speakers have found in the city from the industrial revolution to the present, which is testament to the contemporary growth of the language and the local strength of Gaelic medium education.

“The Scottish Government is implementing the Scottish Languages Act which will – among other measures – strengthen Gaelic education and ensure the language continues to grow in Glasgow and across the country.”

Glasgow Life Chair and City Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Glasgow is delighted to be once again hosting the Royal National Mòd, and welcoming visitors from near and far for the world’s biggest celebration of the language, literature and music of Scottish Gaelic.

“Gaelic is integral to the cultural identity of the city, which is home to a large and growing number of Gaelic speakers and five Gaelic schools, and through its programmes and at its events and venues, Glasgow Life is firmly committed to supporting the development of Gaelic arts and encouraging further engagement.

“The 2026 Mòd and its dynamic and diverse fringe programme offer a host of expansive, inclusive opportunities for everyone – whether they speak the language or not – to come together to experience and enjoy rich, traditional and contemporary Gaelic creative expression so I’d urge as many people as possible to make the most of this wonderful festival’s events.”

Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events, said: “The Royal National Mòd is a cornerstone of Scotland’s cultural calendar, showcasing the depth, creativity and enduring appeal of Gaelic language and culture.

“This year’s exceptional level of participation reflects the strength of Gaelic culture and the important role the Mòd continues to play in providing a platform for people to share and celebrate their talents.

“Gaelic is woven through Scotland’s heritage, music and storytelling traditions, helping to create distinctive visitor experiences that connect people with our history, communities and way of life. Events such as the Mòd showcase the strength and vibrancy of Gaelic culture, inspiring audiences at home and around the world.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Glasgow has a very warm place in the hearts of many Gaels, and it is a wonderful host of the Royal National Mòd. Bòrd na Gàidhlig would like to wish everyone involved all the best, your hard work is much appreciated, and will ensure that this Glasgow Mòd is a fantastic showcase of Gaelic language, culture and heritage.

“We’d also like to congratulate Calum Ferguson on becoming Gaelic Ambassador of the Year. His commitment to creating opportunities for young people to actively participate in sport through Gaelic deserves this recognition.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Glasgow is supported by Glasgow Life, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Scottish Government, VisitScotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and Qualifications Scotland.

The Royal National Mòd runs in Glasgow until Saturday 17 October 2026. For more information and tickets visit https://modghlaschu2026.org.

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​​TV personality Phil MacHugh will help ensure the Royal National Mòd gets off to a glittering start in Glasgow on Friday as he steps up to host the Opening Concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Phil, who hosts the show Scottish Fling alongside his pal and Gaelic learner Martin Compston, will be joined at the helm of the night by his cousin, and fellow presenter and Glasgow Gael, Catrìona (Carrie) MacNeil.

Phil and Carrie were among the first pupils to join the Sir John Maxwell Gaelic Medium Education unit in Glasgow when it was opened in 1985.

The pair will guide audiences through an evening of music, song and film celebrating 40 years of Gaelic medium education in the city.

The concert, Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl, will take attendees on a nostalgic journey from the early days of Sir John Maxwell School unit up to present day, where the city boasts five thriving Gaelic schools.

The journey will be illustrated visually with a special film and accompanied by a score provided by an orchestra of past and present pupils, with guest musicians performing across the night, all celebrating Gaelic language, music, culture and the importance of education.

Phil MacHugh said: “It is a real privilege to take part in and show my support for the 2026 Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. My connection to Gaelic runs deep. I was proudly educated through Gaelic Medium Education at Sir John Maxwell and Hillpark Gaelic Unit going through the system from the age of 4 to 17.

“That education opened so many doors for my future and gave me memories, friendships and opportunities beyond anything I could have imagined. Gaelic has played a huge part in shaping who I am, and it’s fantastic to see the language, culture and community celebrated on such a significant stage.

“The Mòd is a wonderful celebration of everything Gaelic represents, and I’m proud to be part of it in Glasgow in 2026.”

Carrie MacNeil said: “My family were involved in establishing GME, with my mum being its first teacher and my siblings and cousins among the first cohorts. From the beginning, GME created a strong Gaelic community and gave hope for the future of the language and culture. The opportunities afforded to me through GME have shaped my whole life. Having recently become a Gaelic teacher in the city, I am in awe of how far GME has come since those early days.

“What we have today is a testament to the hard work of those who have championed it through the years, and it is a privilege to now contribute to that. I see first-hand the impact GME has, not only on individuals, but in building and sustaining a thriving Gaelic community in Glasgow.”

The Royal National Mòd runs from 9 – 17 October 2026 in Glasgow, with around 300 concerts, competitions, cèilidhs, exhibitions, talks and performances scheduled for its 10,000 visitors. Tickets are available now, please visit: Tachartasan | Events

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