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Lochaber to come alive for Royal National Mòd as 2025 fringe programme launched

Launch images and assets will be available to download here from 1230 hours

Lochaber will come alive with the sights and sounds of Gaelic song, cèilidh music, bagpipes and processions as the Royal National Mòd rolls into the Highlands from 10 – 18 October 2025.

Attendees of the world’s largest celebration of Gaelic language and culture are in for a bustling nine days, as events showcasing everything from music, poetry and dances, to exhibitions, book launches, and the region’s best food and drink, are unveiled.

With the Scottish Languages Bill, which gives Gaelic official status as a language, passing unanimously in the Scottish Parliament this month, the prosperity of the indigenous tongue continues to grow.

Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach and hosted in a different Scottish town each year, the Royal National Mòd provides an essential platform for using, improving and showcasing Gaelic for thousands of speakers, learners and supporters.

Fort William and the surrounding areas will welcome the 133-year-old event for the ninth time in 2025, with thousands expected to descend on the town – called An Gearasdan, meaning The Garrison, in Gaelic. The Mòd is expected to generate a significant economic boost for the region in the process.

Lochaber Mòd 2025 will open with a torchlight parade through the streets of Fort William, before the event’s flagship venue for the week, the Nevis Centre, hosts the event’s Opening Concert. Lochaber talent in the form of Dàimh (meaning connection, pronounced ‘dive’) will provide a fitting start to the week, wowing audiences with their electrifying musical interplay. Support will come from young Skye-based collective Ceilear, who formed as part of Dàimh piper Angus MacKenzie’s Culture Collective project, Eilean a’ Cheòl.

The breadth and depth of local talent will also be on display for Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl on Saturday 11 October as local pipe bands, Ardnamurchan High School trad group, Jane Douglas School of Dance, Lochaber Gaelic Choir, local youth choirs and many others, come together to celebrate the music and language of the region.

The event’s Marquee Stage will host daily entertainment including a cèilidh singing challenge which will see members of the public get up to perform a rendition of their favourite song. A secret judging panel, featuring well-known singers, will be hidden among the crowd for the fun, informal event called Gabh Òran, meaning ‘sing us a song’.

Street cèilidhs at Cameron Square will fill the town centre with dancing throughout the week, while Fort William pubs will be buzzing with a schedule of pop-up late night music sessions.

Some of the region’s finest solo pipers including Angus Nicolson, Moira Robertson and Laura Robertson will showcase Scotland’s national instrument at its best at a Piping Recital on Monday 13 October, while celebrated Scottish
musicians Màiri Morrison and Alasdair Roberts will perform their latest album, Remembered in Exile: Songs and Ballads from Nova Scotia on Tuesday 14 October.

Sruth – an event established to provide an informal space for young Gaelic speakers and learners to interact with prominent figures in the Gaelic community – takes on a new life at this year’s event as An Comunn Gàidhealach
partner with BBC Alba and The L.A.B Scotland outreach project. Youngsters will have the opportunity to learn what goes on behind the scenes in TV, trying their hand at presenting and camera operating, while using their Gaelic.

Shinty, football and other sports will also feature on the programme, alongside a wealth of come-and-try activities for youngsters, family cèilidhs and more.

The local region’s reputation for outstanding food and drink will also come to the fore with a Taste of Lochaber exhibition and a special Whisky Tasting Night.

The week will wrap up in style with a Closing Dance on Friday 17 October, hosted by all-star cèilidh band, followed by the spectacular traditional Massed Choirs event on Saturday 18 October, which sees hundreds of choir members from across Scotland take part in a parade and giant group performance on the streets of Fort William.

The event’s famous competitions, which span from solo singing, clàrsach and art to choral singing, accordion and Battle of the Bands, will form the backbone of the event. With around 200 competition categories and more than 270 medals and
trophies up for grabs across the week, individuals and groups of all ages and from all corners of Scotland and beyond, will travel to the prestigious event for the chance to compete for glory.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “With growing numbers of young speakers and learners and this latest show of parliamentary support for the language, we firmly believe that Gaelic is on an upward trajectory. The Royal National Mòd plays an essential role in representing and championing all facets of Gaelic culture and demonstrates the beauty, power and connection to be found in the language. It is a joy to return to the Highlands this year and bring the camaraderie and celebration of the Mòd to Lochaber, a region rich in Gaelic history and with a deep appreciation for the language.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The growing success of the Royal National Mòd demonstrates how promoting Gaelic enriches communities and goes hand-in-hand with economic prosperity.

“Last year’s National Mòd generated an estimated £3.6 million for the economy, which was the highest figure in five years.

“To support Gaelic’s growth, our Scottish Languages Bill will strengthen the rights of parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area and introduce targets on the number of people speaking Gaelic.

“We are also working to drive growth in Gaelic communities so that more people who speak the language continue to live in those areas.”

Highland Council Leader Raymond Bremner said: “Gaelic has a huge role to play in the social, cultural and economic health of the Highlands - that’s a message that will shine through when the Royal National Mòd returns to Lochaber in October.

“Organisers have put together a terrific programme of events - there will be something for everyone and I have no doubt that this year’s National Mòd will deliver many memorable moments. It will also create lasting friendships and help to bring significant economic benefits for the region.

“I know myself how important the National Mòd is for using and improving our Gaelic and what the events mean to the host area.

“Highland Council sees Gaelic language and culture as one of our most prized economic assets. This is demonstrated by our commitment to the language in schools – as this year we mark 40 years of Gaelic medium education in the region – and in our communities.

“We’re delighted the National Mòd is returning to the Highlands for what promises to be a superb celebration in Lochaber.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Once again, the Royal National Mòd is showcasing our language and culture through competition, events and gatherings, with a wonderful programme providing lots of opportunities to use and enjoy Gaelic. It is well known that Lochaber is a great host for the Mòd and we are all looking forward to visiting in October.”

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