Lochaber will be the epicentre of Gaelic language celebrations for the next nine days as the Royal National Mòd begins today, Friday 10 October 2025.
The premier event showcasing Gaelic music and culture of all forms returns to the Highland area for the first time in eight years, bringing 2,000 competitors and performers to streets and venues around Fort William.
The special event kicks off tonight (Friday 10 October) with an atmospheric torchlight procession, capturing the magic and community spirit of the gathering. Hundreds will wind their way through the streets carrying flaming torches in a spectacle that will set the tone for the week ahead.
Visitors and locals alike will then fill the flagship venue, the Nevis Centre, to see young Skye collective Ceilear and legendary Highland outfit Dàimh perform at the Opening Concert.
Running until 18 October, the Mòd – which translates to ‘gathering’ – is the largest scale celebration of Scottish Gaelic in the world. The event has been running for 133 years, and is held in a different Scottish town each year, having first travelled to Lochaber in 1922.
Concerts, competitions, exhibitions, sessions, processions, street ceilidhs, and sport, are all on the agenda, showcasing the vibrancy, power and importance of the language.
The first day of the Mòd also sees the announcement of this year’s Gaelic Ambassador of the Year by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes. The prestigious Scottish Government award recognises exceptional Gaels who have devoted their lives to promoting the language.
The 2025 recipient is Isle of Skye singer, broadcaster and Gaelic arts figure, Arthur Cormack. Born on the Isle of Skye, Arthur is a prominent figure in Gaelic culture, music and education who did remarkable things for Gaelic in his decades long tenure at Fèisean nan Gàidheal, which supports the development of community-based Gaelic arts tuition festivals across Scotland. For over 30 years, Arthur led Fèisean nan Gàidheal, supporting and developing Gaelic arts, education, and festivals to reach 80,000 people annually.
Beginning his singing journey at Local Mòds at the age of eight, Arthur attended every National Mòd since he was 10 and won the Gold Medal aged 18 at National Mòd in Motherwell. He has released solo albums, performed internationally with bands and in a duo, and appeared on television and radio, promoting Gaelic culture. He also co-founded the Gaelic music label Macmeanmna, which has released over 60 albums, and was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
Arthur has been deeply involved in Gaelic advocacy, serving on various Boards and playing a key role in establishing Gaelic schools in Portree and Edinburgh. He also chaired a Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic, the recommendations of which are aimed at boosting social and economic opportunities in traditional Gaelic speaking areas to help the language to thrive. Arthur was awarded an OBE in 2015 for his contributions to Gaelic education. Today, Arthur continues to sing, adjudicate, and present, remaining a passionate advocate for Gaelic culture. His three children also continue the proud tradition of Gaelic song, each winning the sought-after Gold Medal.
This year’s event is the first National Mòd held since the passage of the Scottish Languages Act. The legislation, supported unanimously by MSPs, will establish Gaelic as an official language and introduce powers to enable parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area.
Gaelic Ambassador Arthur Cormack said: “Gaelic has always been an important feature of my home and working life but I enjoyed support from family and colleagues in everything I have done. I am very grateful to the Scottish Government and An Comunn Gàidhealach for the honour of being named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year. Although not working full-time anymore, I intend to continue supporting Gaelic initiatives and look forward to helping out where I can.”
James Graham, outgoing Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The Royal National Mòd is a cornerstone of Gaelic culture, and we are thrilled to bring this vibrant celebration back to Lochaber. This week, we will witness the incredible talent, passion, and dedication of competitors and performers who embody the spirit of our language. The Mòd serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding and promoting Gaelic for future generations and provides a heartening opportunity to connect and create. We look forward to an unforgettable week of music, camaraderie and cultural pride.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Royal National Mòd is a prized part of Scotland’s cultural heritage which has been at the beating heart of the Gaelic community for more than 100 years. The event enriches communities and helps to boost visitor spend, with last year’s National Mòd generating an estimated £3.6 million for the economy.
“I am delighted to announce this year’s Gaelic Ambassador, Arthur Cormack, who exemplifies the dedication and passion that keeps the Gaelic language thriving. His commitment to Gaelic education and culture has helped ensure that future generations can experience the joy and connection that comes from using Gaelic.”
Highland Council Leader Raymond Bremner – himself a well-known singer who was Mòd Gold Medallist when Lochaber hosted in 1999 – said: “The Royal National Mòd is the flagship gathering of the Gaelic community, and it’s great to see the event return to the Highlands once again.
“Organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach, Highland Council staff, the sponsors, the local Mòd committee and all of its army of volunteers deserve enormous credit for all their efforts in the lead up to this year’s Mòd.
“The excellent programme of events will have something for everyone. I have no doubt this year’s Royal National Mòd will be a fantastic success for Lochaber, and for all the competitors and visitors attending events this week.
“Lochaber has a rich and proud Gaelic tradition, which we will see and hear in the songs, tunes and stories resounding at all the various events.
“The area’s residents will embrace and enjoy this celebration of Gaelic culture which will leave a lasting and positive legacy for the language, for the Highlands and for Scotland.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “Gaelic is an important part of Scotland’s cultural identity, and the Royal National Mòd has proudly celebrated this rich heritage for over 130 years. The event is a key part of our diverse portfolio of annual events and festivals that not only honours our Gaelic traditions but also plays a key role in helping drive Scotland’s visitor economy by drawing audiences to communities across the country and showcasing our world-class tourism and events offering.”
Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “The exciting build-up to Mòd Lochaber has left us all in no doubt that we are in for a great time. I am delighted to see this area once again given the opportunity to showcase the best of Gaelic language, culture, heritage, and community and Bòrd na Gàidhlig wish event organisers, participants and Mòd goers all the best!
“I would also like to congratulate Arthur Cormack on being named Gaelic Ambassador of the year, a title he well deserves for his ongoing commitment to our language and our communities.”
This year’s event is supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highland Council, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.
The Royal National Mòd returns to Lochaber in 2025, from 10 – 18 October. Tickets for flagship events at https://buytickets.at/ancomunn. For more information, visit www.ancomunn.co.uk
