Royal National Mòd News

Younger Gaels take centre stage at Royal National Mòd

Published: 13 Oct 2025

2025 Royal National Mòd Church Service

​Youngsters learning Gaelic take centre stage at the Royal National Mòd today, with a busy schedule of competitions and fringe events that blends the traditional with the new.

After a day of reflection on Sunday, the packed competition programme resumes with a whole host of events for youngsters and Gaelic learners in solo and choral singing, storytelling and poetry recitation planned for throughout the day.

Amongst the most keenly contested of these will be the coveted Open 16-18 Provost of Falkirk Medal and Boys and Girls 13-15 James C. MacPhee Memorial Medal, both of which showcase solo performances in traditional song.

More rising stars in Gaelic culture will be revealed at the Junior Literature Prizegiving ceremony, which takes place at the Highland Cinema from 4pm, with awards being presented for writing, art and media.

Beyond the many competitions taking place, the Mòd Fringe programme has just as much to offer younger Gaels in the way of events, activities, workshops and performances.

Proving that it’s never too early to start learning the language, there’s a Bookbug story, song and rhyme session for children aged five and under at West Highland College from 10.30am today, with mums, dads and carers welcome.

For primary-aged children, Waterfront Lodge will play host to Sradagan Children’s Gaelic Club from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Wednesday, promising arts, crafts and games, while nearby Fort William Library will be running a Bilingual Puppets and Stories session today from 11am until 12.30pm.

For seven to 11 year olds, there’s the opportunity to meet the team behind CBBC ALBA music show, Sruth, at West Highland College. Sessions will run from 10am and 2pm, today and tomorrow, giving youngsters an insight into everything from presenting and interviewing to the behind-the-scenes roles involved in TV production.

Also taking place at West Highland College today and tomorrow, Gaelic-speaking teens have the chance to join one of five Cruth content creation sessions, where they can try their hand at some of the digital skills that are now central to producing today’s media.

For those more interested in the great outdoors, Spòrs Gàidhlig are hosting a Stand Up Paddleboarding session for eight to 12 year olds, with all instruction entirely in Gaelic.

There’s also a hands-on creative workshop, A Celebration of Oysters, at Waterfront Lodge. Run by the team behind the University of Glasgow’s Project Eisirean, youngsters can learn more about shellfish and the oyster restoration work underway near Lochaber.

The Mòd Fringe fun continues into the evening. For those looking to wind down before bedtime, there’s the chance to hear a Gaelic translation of Beatrix Potter’s classic children’s book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, at a Storytime session hosted by Fort William Library, tonight and tomorrow. For anyone with energy to let loose, where better than the Family Cèilidh at the Nevis Centre from 6.30pm, also on tonight and tomorrow.

For festivalgoers who prefer to sit back and soak up the unique atmosphere of the Mòd, then the Piping Recital at The Highland Cinema, from 7.30pm, is a must. Featuring master pipers Allan MacDonald and Angus Nicolson, alongside local Lochaber talent, it’s set to be a night of truly captivating performances: from the emotionally charged to the light and lively.

James Graham, outgoing Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gaidhealach, said: “We’re always keen to ensure that the Royal National Mòd is every bit as relevant and exciting to younger Gaels and newcomers to the language as it is to more seasoned festivalgoers. After all, who better to keep the Gaelic language and culture alive and thriving than the next generation.

“Testament to this, Monday’s Mòd programme has been carefully designed to offer something for Gaels and non-Gaels of all ages, abilities and interests – with lots more to look forward to over coming days.”

This year’s event is supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highland Council, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd runs in Lochaber until 18 October. Tickets for flagship events at https://buytickets.at/ancomunn.

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