Royal National Mòd News

From finals to fringe fun: young Gaels shine on day four of Mòd

Published: 12 Oct 2026

​Competition line-up spotlights current learners while fringe events inspire

Celtic Praise at Central Station

Contests, connections and community are all on the cards, with Gaeldom’s youngsters out in force at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow today for a mix of intensely fought finals and Mòd Fringe fun.

A new week begins with more junior Mòd competitions, bringing Glasgow’s venues alive with the sounds of singing, poetry and storytelling.

Among the many highlights will be the Solo Singing Learners Girls 13-15 event, with the coveted James C. MacPhee Memorial Medal at stake, and the Solo Traditional Mixed Singing Learners 13-15 and 16-18 events, with young learners vying for Donald Macleod Trophy and Provost of Falkirk Medal, respectively.

Festivalgoers can also look forward to exceptional performances in traditional song at the junior choral events, including the Choral Unison, Choral Harmony and Choral Puirt-à-Beul Learners competitions.

Gaelic writing, art, and media will all be celebrated too, with the Junior Literature Awards taking place at the Social Hub.

The day’s Mòd Fringe schedule offers up every bit as much for young Gaels and their families, with a whole host of free sessions conveniently hosted across two key Glasgow venues.

At the cultural and heritage hub Edward House on Sauchiehall Street, programmed by Glasgow Life, there’s the invitation to start the day with tea, coffee and a story at Story, Tea and a Snack, hosted by the Gaelic Books Council in support of the National Year of Reading.

Next up is Gaelic Bookbug – a free, fun and friendly session for pre-school children and their families, supported by the Scottish Book Trust. For older kids, there’s the chance to learn about Glasgow’s patron saint St Mungo through crafts at Meet the Patron Saint, hosted by Historic Environment Scotland.

In the afternoon, old friends and new intermediate learners alike are welcome for a Cuppa and Cake with Sìne and Mairead, followed by a Youth Traditional Music Session with an open invitation to bring an instrument, voice or attend simply to listen.

There will also be a screening of Short film: 777 Years and 77 Days by Gaelic-speaking multidisciplinary artist Cashlin MacKenzie, delivering an immersive audiovisual experience, plus, Music and Song with Josie Duncan and friends performing works by the acclaimed Melbost Bàrd Murdo Macfarlane.

At the nearby City of Glasgow College, the focus shifts to potential career paths. Children aged eight to 12 can try television presenting and interviewing at the popular Sruth workshops, hosted by the CBBC ALBA team. For 10 to 16-year-olds, the Skills Development Scotland My World of Work Live sessions offer insights into new technologies.

Bringing everyone together after what promises to be a busy day, there will be a Family Cèilidh at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with music from the indie folk band Passing Place, along with plenty of games and dancing.

Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “There are few things more heartwarming than seeing and hearing young people embrace Gaelic. Today, we celebrate our current learners and extend a warm welcome to those discovering the language and culture for the very first time.

“To our young competitors, savour every moment and be proud of how far you’ve come. To all visitors, come and enjoy your own piece of Gaeldom, whether by supporting the traditional competitions or experiencing the magic of the Mòd Fringe.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd, which runs in Glasgow until Saturday 17 October 2026, is supported by Glasgow Life, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Scottish Government, EventScotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and Qualifications Scotland.

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