Mòd sets out next steps for future of Gaelic choir competitions

Published: 03 Oct 2026

Gaelic Choir at a Mòd

​An Comunn Gàidhealach has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Gaelic at the Royal National Mòd, as it sets out the next steps in the long-term development of the much-loved choral competitions. The latest phase of an in-depth consultation with the Gaelic choral community has concluded, following a series of focus groups welcoming dozens of senior and junior choir conductors, Gaelic readers and choir members.

Undertaken independently by Lasair Ltd., the activity is part of the second phase of consultation to ensure the Gaelic language remains at the heart of the events.

An Comunn Gàidhealach is now working through feedback from both phases of the consultation, which will form an action plan to take the competitions forward, ensuring the events remain vibrant and inclusive. There will be no immediate changes to existing competition structure or Gaelic language requirements.

Early actions from the consultations so far, set to be rolled out first are:

  • The introduction of a new adjudication sheet providing choirs with clearer information on the core criteria for assessing performances, which will form part of the regular programme of training for Mòd adjudicators
  • A new competition for smaller choirs will get underway in 2027 to ensure fairness for groups of all sizes
  • A junior massed choirs event will launch in 2027, bringing young Gaelic singers together to experience the joy of being part of a singing showcase with other young competitors from across the event

Together with choirs and Comunn nan Còisir, An Comunn Gàidhealach will continue constructive discussions later in the year, ensuring views are aligned and help shape the implementation plans, as they develop.

The focus groups held in this phase were open for all to attend, with a significant majority of member Gaelic choirs taking up the opportunity to join.

The conversations followed on from proposals published in October 2025, which included the outline of a new Gaelic proficiency framework and changes to some competition rules to ensure maximum participation and fairness.

The focus groups also provided an opportunity for clarification around the fact Gaelic testing of individual choir members will continue to be optional.

Proposals instead explore how Gaelic learning, confidence and proficiency can be encouraged and supported among choirs through a clear, helpful framework and a formal partnership with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and SpeakGaelic.

Maggie Cunningham, Chair of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Gaelic language has been at the heart of An Comunn Gàidhealach’s mission for more than 130 years and our commitment to Ar Cànan ’s ar Ceòl – our language, our music – remains as strong as ever. Our choirs play a vital part in that, bringing people together to sustain and develop the language and creating unforgettable moments at the Mòd each year.

“We want to see the choir tradition continue to thrive and are delighted to have had such great interaction with the choral community as we progress plans to develop this area.

“We are grateful to all those who have taken the time to engage so thoroughly with the process. All of the feedback received has been incredibly valuable and we are thankful to Lasair Ltd., the focus group chairs and Comunn nan Còisir for their ongoing partnership and input to date.

“The choir competition changes are a long-term process and it is important we take the time to get it right. We are excited to progress to the next chapter, finalising a way forward, and putting plans into action for additional support for competition adjudicators, and new opportunities for smaller choirs and younger singers.”

Jackie Cotter, President of Comunn nan Còisir and member of Lothian Gaelic Choir, said: “We are looking forward to moving forward, in collaboration with An Comunn Gàidhealach and our Gaelic choral community. Change of any kind can be daunting, which is why it is important for us all to work together and make sure we get this right. Gaelic choral music is unique, with the language at its heart. We need to preserve what riches we have while looking towards the future, nurturing the joint message: Ar Cànan ’s ar Ceòl.”

The Royal National Mòd holds 22 junior and senior choir competitions across the Mòd, with more than 50 groups involving over 1,500 individual singers.

The 134-year-old event is the world’s largest Scottish Gaelic cultural showcase and returns to Glasgow this October, from 9 - 17 October 2026.

The event which proudly celebrates the unique language, culture, and spirit of the Gaels and champions its relevance and value in modern Scotland, spans around 300 individual events including competitions, concerts, cèilidhs and processions.

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