Local Mòd News

New Local Mòd for Moray as Gaelic reach grows

Published: 29 Sep 2025

Mòd Cèilidh

​A new local Mòd is set to take place in Moray, Moray Gaelic Group and An Commun Gàidhealach have announced. The new event, which will provide a platform for Gaelic music, language and culture to shine, will take place in Elgin on Friday 11 September 2026.

This exciting new development builds upon the previous Moray fèisean to showcase the Gaelic language and culture, and sees Moray join a growing network of 22 Local Mòds across Scotland.

Local Mòds are vital to helping develop Gaelic language, history and heritage at both local and national levels, and Moray is the latest in a string of areas hosting new events for their communities.

Performances and competitions at the Moray Local Mòd will include singing, piping, clàrsach, fiddle, and more, with the event designed to enable participation from all age and interest groups – including local school children and more experienced Gaelic speakers.

The announcement comes just weeks ahead of the world’s largest Scottish Gaelic event, the Royal National Mòd, which will see thousands come together in Lochaber for competition, concerts, cèilidhs, processions and more, over nine days.

Gaelic language has a long history in Moray and has shaped many local place names in the area. More recently, the Moray Gaelic Group, comprising Gaelic learner volunteers, has been working closely with partners to raise awareness of Gaelic language and culture.

Development work includes the establishment of three tutor-led classes, the publication of a local place names guide, Gaelic Place Names of Moray, and the launch of a conversational group, or ‘Srùbag’, and a Gathering of Gaels Day to bring people together.

Michael McClafferty of the Moray Gaelic Group said: “Hosting the Local Mòd in Moray will not only bring communities together but also support the work of Moray Council in delivering its Gaelic Plan.

“We are all looking forward to working together to ensure that the Mòd is a success and becomes a vibrant and lasting part of Moray’s rich cultural life.”

An Commun Gàidhealach Local Mòd Officer Fiona MacKenzie said: “We are thrilled to see the launch of a new Local Mòd in Moray. Local Mòds play a vital role in fostering a love for Gaelic within communities, and this new addition will undoubtedly inspire even more people to engage with the language.

“It’s heartening to see Gaelic thriving across Scotland, with people increasingly tapping into their heritage and reconnecting with our indigenous language. This new Local Mòd will celebrate Moray’s Gaelic history while providing a platform for people to come together and embrace Gaelic in new ways.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The growing success of the Royal National Mòd demonstrates how promoting Gaelic is enriching communities – but with such a rich and varied use of the language across the country, it’s important that Gaelic is celebrated and supported in a way that suits local communities.

“Local Mòds are growing in number and popularity and I am delighted that a Local Mòd is to take place in Moray next year, helping promote the area’s long-established Gaelic heritage.”

Members of the public are actively encouraged to get involved in shaping this new event by contacting the organisers or coming along to the first meeting of the Mòd Steering Group. This will be held in the Inkwell meeting rooms in Elgin Youth Café at 7pm on Tuesday 14 October 2025.

Partners involved include An Comunn Gàidhealach, organisers of The Royal National Mòd, Moray Council and Moray Gaelic Group.

The Moray Local Mòd will take place in Elgin on Friday 11 September 2026. Visit www.gaelicinmoray.com.

The Royal National Mòd takes place in Lochaber in 2025, from 10 - 18 October. Tickets for flagship events are on sale now here.

Back to Local Mòds News List

Proudly Sponsored By

Sangobeg Investments Ltd

Sangobeg Investments Ltd

BBC Alba

BBC Alba

Caledonian MacBrayne

Caledonian MacBrayne

SQA

SQA

The Scottish Government

The Scottish Government

Bòrd na Gàidhlig

Bòrd na Gàidhlig

Creative Scotland

Creative Scotland

Event Scotland

Event Scotland

The Highland Council

The Highland Council

BID Fort William

BID Fort William

Site Map
Contact Us

Inverness - 01463 709705
Stornoway - 01851 703487

info@ancomunn.co.uk

Online Entry

Manage your membership and account details in our online system.

LOGIN NOW

Connect with Us