SCOTLAND'S biggest Gaelic culture festival is seeking competitors for its 2025 event in Lochaber.
The Royal National Mòd is an annual festival celebrating Scottish heritage and talent by showcasing a variety of Gaelic and traditional music, sports, and more.
This year’s festival will take place from October 10 to 18 in venues across Fort William and the wider Lochaber area.
As well as more than 200 competitions, the festival hosts concerts, talks and workshops.
The competition categories include bagpiping, choral singing and Battle of the Bands.
There are also several non-musical related categories, such as drama and poetry.
The application deadline for the 2025 Mòd competitions is midnight on Saturday, May 31.
Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the festival has been running for 133 years, with the 2025 edition marking the Mòd’s ninth visit to the Lochaber region.
The last time the Mòd was held in Lochaber was 2017.
Last year’s festival in Oban saw more than 2700 competitors battle it out in front of around 9000 attendees in the biggest Mòd in five years.
James Graham, CEO of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We saw thousands of people competing at last year’s Mòd, contributing to the development of Gaelic in Scotland and showcasing the very best of our music and culture.
“The competitions are the backbone of this event and to see the camaraderie and community between those taking part, and their sense of pride and joy, is always fantastic.
“Whether you are a long-time competitor or someone brand new to Gaelic and looking to get involved, I would encourage anyone to apply and come be part of this significant Scottish event.
“We know Lochaber is always a fantastic host and we look forward to bringing the Mòd back there once again this October.”
The chair of the Highland Council’s Gaelic committee, Councillor Calum Munro, praised the Mòd’s decision to return to Lochaber again.
He said: “Highland Council is delighted that the Mòd is returning to Lochaber where the community is renowned for its Gaelic and cultural heritage, especially in relation to traditional music.
“The council supports the very important role the Mòd provides in promoting the use of Gaelic and the positive image for the language created by this flagship gathering of the Gaelic community.
“In addition to the competitions, the Mòd creates an important opportunity for speakers of all abilities to use Gaelic informally during the event and will contribute highly to the social, economic and cultural vibrancy of the Lochaber host community.”
Those hoping to enter the 2025 competition can find application details and more information on the An Comunn Gàidhealach website.
