Oban Mòd returns home in sparkling style

Undeterred by the west coast weather, the Oban community came out in force to witness the spectacle and follow the procession along the town’s seafront esplanade.

Scottish supergroup Mànran, hot on the heels of an incredible performance at the newly rebooted Lochaber Live, then performed to a packed Corran Halls, marking the beginning of the Mòd’s return to its historic home in fitting style.

Saturday saw Argyll talent of all ages shine for Ar Cànan’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert. It was a fantastic night of traditional music and Gaelic culture with performers of all ages from all over Argyll, the concert showcased local talent including celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, Fèis Latharna musicians and Makaton Gaelic Choir ‘Aon Ghuth’, who combine Gaelic singing with the Makaton communication system of signs and symbols.

The town itself has also rolled out the red carpet, with dozens of local businesses in and around Oban taking part in a window dressing competition, bringing their premises to life with the look and feel of the Mòd in a display of welcoming warmth.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “What a feeling to be back in Oban for this milestone Mòd as we welcome thousands of Gaels and Gaelic supporters to the town to honour our language and culture. The Gaelic language continues to have an irreplaceable place in daily Scottish life and over the next nine days we will see that strengthened and celebrated.

"The next nine days will be a real demonstration of how the language is thriving, underpinned by incredible cultural output and a strong sense of community.”

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes said: “It is fitting to see the Mòd return home to Oban as we mark an increase in Gaelic speakers for the first time in nearly 50 years.
 
“As a proud speaker of the language, it is an honour to see Gaelic champions recognised with the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Ambassador of the Year award.
 
“We have provided Gaelic initiatives like the Mòd with more than £120 million since 2021. To build on this support, we are progressing the Scottish Languages Bill which aims to strengthen Gaelic education and make Gaelic an official language of Scotland.”

Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Ceud mìle fàilte. It’s a joy to see the Royal National Mòd back in its home, in Oban, after nearly a decade. The Mòd plays a valuable cultural and economic role in Argyll and Bute, past, present and future.

"As a council, and as communities, we’re proud to support the event and welcome the thousands of talented people who will congregate in Oban over the next week to celebrate our Gaelic culture. I hope you enjoy some of the sights and hospitality of Argyll and Bute while you are with us. Best of luck in the events.”

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland, said: “We are proud to support the Royal National Mòd through EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme. The Royal National Mòd is an incredibly important and unique celebration of Gaelic language, culture, and music.

"It’s fantastic to hear about the engaging and inspirational programme of events, and that so many businesses have embraced the Mòd look and feel. We know that visitors and locals alike will be given the warmest of welcomes and be captivated by all that Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival has to offer.”