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
Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back
Loch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
March Events at LUSH Glasgow City
LUSH Glasgow City has a packed events calendar for March!
READ MORE
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind
To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival celebrates 50 day countdown with exclusive Secret Party Tour
Pavilion Festival is kicking off early with Pavilion on Tour – a two-part, secret pre-festival experience designed to set the stage for Scotland’s ultimate seaside music festival.
READ MORE
Sir Billy Connolly Award Shortlist revealed as GICF kicks off across city
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the Shortlist for 2025's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award as the festival kicks off!
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.
READ MORE
Civerinos earns a place on the Time Out list of best pizzas in the world
Fighting off stiff competition from around the globe and coming in at a lucky number 13 on the list, Civerinos’ New Haven-style pizza grabbed the food critics’ attention for all the right reasons.
READ MORE
Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events
Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!
READ MORE
Valaria Glasgow unveils new evening menu
Valaria, one of Glasgow's most beloved Patisserie destinations, has launched a brand-new evening menu.
READ MORE
Celebrating British Science Week in Glasgow
To celebrate British Science Week, Glasgow Science Centre will deliver a jam-packed programme of activities, experiments and events for public visitors and school children this week.
READ MORE
Flight Club is the ideal alternative place to take your mum for brunch
If you're looking for something a bit different for Mother's Day that is also loads of fun, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option!
READ MORE
Derby Lane evolves and new hit spot opens in Finnieston
A bold new look, elevated dining and a hidden speakeasy... once hailed as Glasgow's most Instagrammable bar, Derby Lane has grown up!
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!
Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORE
Cineworld brings back IMAX Film Fest
Cineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!
READ MORE
Discover the best of Belfast on a day trip from Scotland
A beautiful city with a rich history, high street favourites, independent boutiques and a giant adventure to explore around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had!
READ MORE
Dobbies welcomes applications for community gardens initiative
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.
READ MORE
Six by Nico unveils brand new six course tasting menu, The Italian
Six by Nico's Road Trip, inspired by Chef Nico Simeone's Italian heritage and travels, will take you on a culinary journey through Italy!
READ MORE
Action Classics Hit Vue Venues in Scotland this March
An array of action films is screening at Vue venues in Scotland throughout the month of March, kicking off with the king of the genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
READ MORE
Care home residents set to be radio stars this weekend
Residents from a Govan care home are going to be filling the airwaves with their favourite songs, chatter and memories this weekend as they take over Sunny Govan Community Radio.
READ MORE
Empowering Women at Glasgow Science Centre
ScottishPower backs day of science engagement for International Women’s Day.
READ MORE
FROM GLASTO TO GLASGOW: Artists performing at TRNSMT 2025 and Glastonbury
Check out the Glastonbury artists that music fans can catch in Glasgow, straight off the heels of their Worthy Farm performance at TRNSMT Festival!
READ MORE
Alona Hotel to host Wedding Fayre
The Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Country Park is to host a sparkling Wedding Fayre featuring a stylish fashion show and a host of exhibitors who will be showcasing the latest wedding trends.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre counts down to homecoming with first projects announced
Citizens Theatre unveils first stage productions and homecoming celebrations as countdown to August reopening begins!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival reveals a host of guests who will appear at festival
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has unveiled a host of stellar guests set to appear throughout the Festival as it brings 19 days of comedy to the city this month.
READ MORE
New restaurant and bar set to open in Tarbet, Loch Lomond next month
Lomond Leisure Group is proud to announce the launch of a new restaurant & bar, strengthening its commitment to highlighting the best of Scottish produce, sustainability and experiential dining.
READ MORE
Full Casting Announced for Restless Natives: The Musical
Kirsty MacLaren, Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop lead a multi-talented ensemble as the Clown and the Wolfman take to the road once again!
READ MORE
King Pins is coming to Glasgow
State-of-the-art bowling and activity venue is set to bring ten-pin & duck pin bowling, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, arcades and more to Glasgow's Silverburn this Summer!
READ MORE
Glasgow celebrates 850 years with spectacular music event
In celebration of Glasgow's 850th anniversary, Clyde Chorus, a spectacular three-day music event will shine a light on the city's rich musical heritage and its status as a UNESCO City of Music!
READ MORE
YOTEL Glasgow offers Short N Suite 4 hour room package for Sabrina Carpenter fans to get gig ready!
Sabrina Carpenter fans looking to get ready for her hotly anticipated Glasgow tour date will now be able to book a Short n' Suite room to get ready, thanks to a new package from YOTEL Glasgow.
READ MORE
Introducing the charity gourmet burger that tastes good and does good!
Full-on flavour and a force for good as Luxford Burgers mark International Women’s Day by donating 50p from the sale of every Lady Bird burger in March to Strut Safe!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links