ORGANISERS of the Royal National Mòd have announced that the festival will return to Lochaber in 2025.
Fort William will play host to Scotland’s largest Gaelic festival with Lochaber last hosting the event in 2017.
At the time, more than 10,000 competitors and spectators headed to the area with the local economy boosted by more than £2.6 million
This year’s festival is to be held in Paisley which last held the event in 2013. Festivities will kick off on October 13 and run until October 21.
Chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach hopes the return to Lochaber will prove a positive project for all involved.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of The Royal National Mòd to Lochaber in 2025. The last Mòd held there in 2017 was a huge success with a record number of over 3600 competitors taking part”, he said.
“The Lochaber branch of An Comunn Gàidhealach is an active and experienced group who deliver Lochaber Provincial Mod each year to a consistently high standard.
“Lochaber, of course, has a strong Gaelic heritage and I have no doubt that the 2025 Mòd will be just as successful with thousands of Gaels gathering for the celebrations and competitions in the beautiful backdrop of Lochaber.”
Once the curtain comes down on this year’s event, Oban will take charge in 2024 before it returns to Fort William.
Chairman of Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee Calum Munro said: “The Highland Council supports the very important role the Mòd plays in promoting the use of Gaelic and the positive image for the language created by this flagship gathering of the Gaelic community.
“Highland Council is delighted that it is returning to Lochaber where the community is renowned for its Gaelic and cultural heritage, especially in relation to traditional music.”
