Royal National Mòd News

50 days to go: Excitement builds as Royal National Mòd hits record competition entries for Glasgow

Published: 20 Aug 2026

Mòd competitor

With just 50 days until the The Royal National Mòd returns to Glasgow for the first time in seven years, Scotland’s premier Gaelic event has unveiled that it has received a record number of competition entries.

More than 2,100 entries have been received from competitors in solo, duet and quartet singing, choirs, traditional instruments including fiddle, accordion, piano and bagpipes, bands, drama, poetry, storytelling and art.

Entries are up 6.5% on last year’s hugely successful event in Lochaber, with entrants of all ages set to take part in the Scottish cultural celebration in Glasgow from 9 – 17 October 2026.

Groups and individuals from across Scotland and beyond will showcase their passion for Gaelic music and culture, with participants expected from the likes of Harris, Barra, Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Oban, and as far as London and Canada.

Organisers are tailoring their scheduling and increasing venue capacities to accommodate the record-breaking interest, particularly for competitions for fluent Gaelic-speaking children, signalling a positive outlook for the language.

Flagship premier competitions, which are held in the highest esteem, include the prestigious Gold Medal and Traditional Gold Medal solo singing contests, along with the choral competitions for the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield and Margrat Duncan Memorial Trophy.

The Royal National Mòd has been going for more than 130 years and sees around 270 cups, trophies, shields, quaichs, medals and prizes dished out across 200 competition categories.

Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive Officer of organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “With just 50 days before the Mòd returns to Glasgow, it is fantastic to see record numbers choosing to take part. There’s enthusiasm for competitions across the breadth of the programme, with thousands of people eager to share their love of the Gaelic language, put their talents to the test, and be part of the Mòd’s incredible community.

“The exceptional interest we’re seeing, particularly among fluent Gaelic-speaking children, reflects the growing confidence in Gaelic and is a hugely positive sign for the future of the language.

“These high entry numbers also set the tone for a record-breaking edition in Glasgow this October, which along with the busy competitions will see concerts, cèilidhs, sessions and celebrations of all kinds staged right across the city. It is set to be a fantastic celebration.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “It’s very encouraging to see so many entrants for this year’s Mòd competitions already. Bòrd na Gàidhlig are very much looking forward to joining you all in Glasgow this October to celebrate and promote Gaelic language, music, and culture in the City of the Gaels.”

The Royal National Mòd returns to Glasgow in 2026, from 9 – 17 October. For more information and tickets visit this website.

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