Royal National Mòd News

TV personality and Glasgow Gael Phil MacHugh to proudly host Mòd opening concert

Published: 07 Oct 2026

Carrie MacNeil and Phil MacHugh

​​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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