Oban will be bustling with the lively sights and sounds of the Royal National Mòd from this Friday, as the annual celebration of Gaelic language and culture returns to its home town.
The Mòd, from the Gaelic word meaning “a gathering of people”, is a competitive festival for all ages, with participants travelling from across Scotland and beyond to perform a range of disciplines including music, song, dance, drama, bàrdachd (poetry), sport, and the arts.
You can follow all nine days of Mòd events, from Friday October 11 to Saturday October 19 across the town, via the live news feed and features on our website, www.westcoasttoday.co.uk, as well as in our newspapers The Oban Times, Lochaber Times, Argyllshire Advertiser, Campbeltown Courier, and Arran Banner.
This year, the Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail has come home to Oban, Gateway to the Isles. The Mòd is organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Gaelic Association), founded in Oban in 1891 to preserve and develop the Gaelic word and way of life. It held the first Mòd in Oban the following year in 1892, and takes place annually in October in different locations throughout Scotland, both Highland and Lowland.
Over the last 132 years, the Mòd has been hosted by Oban 17 times - more than any other place in Scotland - the last time in 2015.
With competition entry levels up by almost a third from last year’s Paisley edition, the Oban Mòd 2024 will see competitor numbers back up at pre-Covid levels. Thousands are expected to flock to Oban to enjoy the jam-packed programme of thrilling competitions, concerts, workshops, ceilidhs and unique fringe events, beginning with a torchlight procession and Mànran gig on Friday October 11, and finishing on Saturday October 19 with the massed choirs singing together and Celtic sensations Trail West close the party.
Mòd Convener for 2024, Donald MacLean, said: "We are incredibly excited for the Mòd to return to Oban once again, for what we hope will be a truly great celebration of Gaelic language and culture on a national scale.
"Argyll’s wealth of Gaelic history will be at the heart of our messages, and we hope to showcase this and its relevance to the language in the area today. We have thriving Gaelic medium education in the area and huge amounts of interest in the language; Mòd 2024 aims to galvanise this interest and kick start conversations about the future of Gaelic, not just in Oban, but nationally as well."
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are incredibly excited for the Mòd 2024, when we will return to our spiritual home, Oban – a place known for its musical talent and thriving Gaelic culture. The festival will bring a rich programme of events and an economic boost with it to the town. I’m sure attendees will enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm west coast hospitality that Oban has to offer as thousands of Gaels once again gather in celebration.”
Anticipation is also building for much-loved musicians from the area who are looking forward to welcoming the incredible volume and calibre of musical talent to their hometown.
Local musician Joanie Garvin has been involved in making traditional music in Argyll for many years. Among her family of professional musicians, her daughter Anna Garvin is working on a film for the Argyll Choirs exhibition taking place as part of the Oban Mòd.
Sharing her excitement, Joanie Garvin said: “There’s always an amazing atmosphere in Oban when the National Mòd takes place in the town! We’ve so many young folk learning traditional music in this area and the town is very proud of its pipe bands, its local Fèis Latharna and the School of Traditional Music at Oban High School.
"The National Mòd is a great opportunity for these local musicians to perform and be inspired by others. I’m so looking forward to seeing Oban buzzing with live music in all sorts of venues, with something for everyone!”
The Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “Excitement is growing as we prepare to host this year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban. We are very proud of our rich Gaelic heritage in Argyll and Bute and we look forward to welcoming people from far and beyond to this year’s event.”
Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, said: “Events play an important role in our communities and Oban will provide the perfect stage as the Royal National Mòd returns to its historic home. As Scotland’s premier Gaelic cultural event, it will deliver positive social, economic and cultural impacts for the community while also providing the chance for everyone involved to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences."
Lochaber will host the Royal National Mòd for the third time next year, from Friday October 10 to Saturday October 18 2025.
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