Competition entry countdown for Royal National Mod

The countdown is on for Gaelic singers, instrumentalists, emerging bands, choral groups, drama enthusiasts, storytellers, artists and poets hoping to compete at this year's Royal National Mòd!

Article Source: Royal National Mòd
Last Updated: 2 April 2026 15:19

Past winners are urging potential participants to get involved in the world’s premier Scottish Gaelic celebration, describing it as a chance to connect with tradition, develop skills and forge lasting friendships.

Winner of the ladies Traditional Gold Medal at the Royal National Mòd 2025 in Lochaber, Màiri Callan, said: “The singing competitions are a unique opportunity to showcase the richness of Gaelic song tradition, and to develop our knowledge of that tradition, and our language skills, in the company of friends, old and new.”

Last year’s men’s Gold Medal winner, Finlay Morse, added: “The Gold Medal is a chance to challenge yourself, grow in confidence, and be part of something truly special.

“Having the opportunity to represent your local area on such a prestigious stage is incredibly rewarding, and something to be really proud of.

“Taking part also gives you the chance to learn and perform new songs, helping you connect more deeply with our culture and heritage in a meaningful way. But what really makes the experience stand out are the people – the friendships you build along the way and the supportive, encouraging atmosphere among everyone involved.

“If you’re thinking about stepping outside your comfort zone, trying something new, and being part of a fantastic community, I’d highly encourage you to give the Mòd a go. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.”

School pupils across Glasgow learning Gaelic are gaining the confidence to take part through the Mòd Academy initiative. Tutors – including Màiri Callan – are visiting schools across the city, supporting youngsters to learn a Gaelic song or poem for this year’s event.

The initiative, funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and delivered in partnership with Fèisean nan Gàidheal, led to a huge increase in participation among local kids last year.

Eilidh Mackenzie, Fèisgoil Manager at Fèisean nan Gàidheal, said: “We have been delighted by the response from the four Gaelic schools in Glasgow, who all recognise the benefits to children of taking part in the Mòd Academy initiative. We are so pleased to be able to work alongside An Comunn Gàidhealach once again to deliver these sessions, introducing songs and song games to the youngsters before honing in on the competition pieces themselves. It is a great way to get young folk singing together which, of course, is fantastic for their health and wellbeing, as well as their language and musical development. In Glasgow, we are fortunate to have a team of wonderful tutors, some of whom are recent recipients themselves of the premier prizes at the Mòd.”

The 133-year-old Royal National Mòd is renowned for its staging of prestigious competitions across a range of artforms, crowning the very best talent, nurturing use of the language and celebrating Gaelic culture.

Around 1,900 people of all ages and levels took part at last year’s event in Lochaber, with Glasgow hoping to attract entrants on a similar scale. Around 270 cups, trophies, shields, quaichs, medals and prizes are up for grabs across 200 competition categories.

Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “There is no better time to submit an entry to compete at the world’s largest celebration of Gaelic culture – the Gaelic language is thriving and young and urban dwelling speakers are on the rise. Whether you’ve competed in the Mòd all your life or want to develop your Gaelic skills and experience the sense of community and joy of our event, there’s a competition for you.

“We are passionate about supporting young people in their Gaelic learning so it is fantastic to welcome back the Mòd Academy and see hundreds of local pupils getting the support they need to get involved. Glasgow is gearing up to be a sensational Mòd - don’t miss your chance to be part of it.”

The call for entries comes as organisers announced changes to three of its flagship singing competitions, modifying the tallying of marks between qualifiers and finals to encourage even greater participation.

The nation’s leading festival for Gaelic language, culture, sport and the arts, the Mòd’s well-loved competition programme is accompanied by a host of fringe events including concerts, cèilidhs, workshops, talks, and sessions.

The Royal National Mòd returns to Glasgow in 2026, from 9 – 17 October. Competition entries close on Sunday 31 May. Visit enter.ancomunn.co.uk for full details.

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