An Comunn Gàidhealach Chief Executive to depart

Published: 03 Jun 2025

James Graham

​An Comunn Gàidhealach has today announced that James Graham, Chief Executive Officer, will be leaving his position after more than fifteen years with the organisation, including more than five years in the leadership role.

James will continue in his current position on a part-time basis from August, until the conclusion of this year’s Royal National Mòd in Lochaber, splitting his time with a newly created role he has accepted at Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

James will take up an opportunity as Community Partnerships Manager, working closely with Gaelic communities across rural Scotland to advance Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Corporate Plan in response to the Scottish Languages Bill – an important piece of legislation that gives Gaelic and Scots languages official status in Scotland and updates support for Scotland’s indigenous languages.

Under James’ tenure, An Comunn Gàidhealach has made significant contributions to the advancement and profile of Gaelic language, culture, and the arts.

Under his leadership, the organisation has continued to deliver an impactful Royal National Mòd, recovered quickly and stronger from the challenges of Covid, updated many of its systems and processes, and increased competitor and visitor attendance. The Mòd is the largest and premier Gaelic language event, engaging thousands in the celebration of Gaelic. James has also overseen an increase in the number of local Mòds over the last five years.

During his time as Chief Executive, Mr Graham has worked closely with a dedicated staff, Board of Directors and community of stakeholders to ensure the continued success of the Royal National Mòd and network of local Mòds across Scotland.

The organisation will now work hand in hand with Bòrd na Gàidhlig to ensure James’ smooth transition between the posts. Recruitment for a new Chief Executive will commence in the coming weeks.

Maggie Cunningham, Chair of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “James has made a lasting impact on the work of An Comunn Gàidhleach, and the success of the Royal National Mòd and our network of Local Mòds, all of which have been vital in championing Gaelic language and culture as essential and enriching part of Scottish life. It has been a great pleasure to work with James. He is an excellent leader, creative, passionate and collaborative. We will miss him, but I cannot think of anyone who is more qualified to take on this important new role. I know that his collaborative and respectful nature and his dedication to Gaelic language and culture augers well for a step change to ensuring that Gaelic survives and thrives in its heartland. James will be sorely missed but his departure will not be imminent – a staggered transition to Bòrd na Gàdhlig until after this year’s Mòd will allow us all to work together to stage another milestone event for the prosperity of Gaelic.

“We will shortly begin recruitment for a new Chief Executive and are seeking a candidate who will continue to uphold and embody An Comunn Gàidhealach’s mission to foster the development of Gaelic language and cultural life.”

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “After more than 15 years with An Comunn Gàidhealach, it is with a heavy heart that I prepare to leave the organisation. It has been a tremendous honour to serve as CEO for the past five and a half years, and a real privilege to have contributed to Gaelic development and the arts throughout my time here. I will greatly miss our dedicated and committed staff and Board of Directors who work so hard to deliver such impactful cultural events year after year.

“I am excited to be taking up the role of Community Partnerships Manager (Manaidsear Com-pàirteachaidh Coimhearsnachd) with Bòrd na Gàidhlig in the coming months. I look forward to the opportunity to engage with and support communities in advancing the priority areas set out in Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Corporate Plan.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted that James Graham is taking up the role of Community Partnership Manager with us. His experience and skills make him an ideal manager, at a time when we need to support and strengthen our communities. I would like to thank An Comunn Gàidhealach for their support in this matter, and we will work closely with them to support the Mòd in Lochaber and with the appointment of a new Chief Executive.”

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