Glasgow set to host The Royal National Mod in 2026
Locations for The Royal National Mòd have been announced, with Glasgow set to host the annual celebration of Gaelic language and culture in 2026, before passing the baton to the Western Isles in 2027
Article Source: Royal National Mòd
Last Updated: 4 June 2024 9:40
Confirmed to take place in Glasgow between 9 - 17 October 2026, Gaeldom’s most highly anticipated annual event will take over the bustling city with prestigious competitions, performances and cultural activities for all ages across the week.
The city is renowned for its strong links to Gaelic language, culture and community, with many talented traditional musicians, singers and Gaelic speakers hailing from or choosing to settle in the thriving area.
Glasgow last hosted the event in 2019, when more than 12,000 people flocked to the city to compete and take part in the array of events on offer, generating over £3.2 million for the local economy. Eighty one percent of visitors that came to Glasgow during this time did so to celebrate Scottish culture at the Mòd.
Three years from now, The Royal National Mòd will return to the Western Isles for the seventh time, taking place in venues around Stornoway between 8 - 16 October 2027. An area with a deep-seated Gaelic heritage, the latest census shows the Western Isles has the highest percentage of Gaelic speakers in Scotland, with more than 57 per cent of the local population having some skills in the language. The Mòd was last held there in 2016, providing a £2.4 million boost to the local economy and welcoming over 7,500 visitors.
The Royal National Mòd attracts Gaelic communities from across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, the USA and beyond to celebrate the language as well as Scottish traditional music, song, drama, literature, art and sport.
This year’s Royal National Mòd will take place in Oban between 11 - 19 October 2024, before Lochaber hosts from 10 - 18 October 2025.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are thrilled to announce that The Royal National Mòd will be returning to Glasgow in 2026, and the Western Isles in 2027. Both areas have hosted highly successful editions of the Mòd before and we’re delighted to be returning to these communities, both with such strong Gaelic heritage and history, to celebrate all things related to the language and culture. We look forward to working with the local councils and branches of An Comunn Gàidhealach to deliver what I’m sure will be two more fantastic events.”
Glasgow Life Head of Events, Julie Pearson, said: “The return of The Royal National Mòd in 2026 is great news for Glasgow. The city is internationally renowned as an outstanding, welcoming destination for events and the Mòd held here in 2019 was a resounding success, attracting competitors and audiences from far and wide and contributing significantly to the local economy.
“Hosting this leading celebration of Gaelic culture reflects our commitment to supporting and promoting creative opportunities for Gaelic, including events and learning programmes. We recognise the importance of offering Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike the chance to experience and enjoy performances rooted in and exploring Gaelic culture, so we are very much looking forward to welcoming this prestigious national contest once again in October 2026.”
Comhairle Convener, Kenny Macleod, said: “The Comhairle is hugely supportive of the Royal National Mòd and we are delighted to have the event returning to the Western Isles in 2027, for the first time in eleven years. As everyone is aware, the islands remain a stronghold of the Gaelic language and culture and having the premier Gaelic event here will give the language yet another boost. I would like to thank the Directors and Officers of An Comunn Gàidhealach for all their support during our productive discussions over recent months and look forward to working closely with them to deliver the Mòd in three years’ time.”
Councillor Donald Macsween, Chairman of the Comhairle’s Gaelic Committee, said: “This is fantastic news for the islands and will provide a real showcase for the vast wealth of talent that exists in the Gaelic-speaking community, especially among our young people. Those attending the Mòd can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome in 2027 and I am sure it will be a great success.”
This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.
For more information, visit www.ancomunn.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street
A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical
Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio
Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition
One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow
Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!
READ MORE
Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city
An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.
READ MORE
Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.
READ MORE
Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative
Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026
The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.
READ MORE
90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls
Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.
READ MORE
Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn
Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year
Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links