The successful return of the Royal National Mòd to Perth in October has given the city a £2.5 million economic boost.
The 130-year-old event, which celebrates Gaelic language, music, and culture featured a variety of incredible competitions, performances, workshops and activities, was hosted in the Fair City again for the first time in 18 years.
The vibrant programme of cultural events and competitions was held at 14 venues across Perth and closed with a Massed Choirs event on Perth High Street and at Perth Concert Hall.
The nine-day festival saw 98 per cent of spending taking place in Perth, according to organisers An Comunn Gaidhealach.
The 2022 event saw a 130 per cent increase in in-person attendees since 2021 when some Covid-19 restrictions were in place, welcoming more than 7500 visitors and providing an economic uplift that helped support around 30 full-time jobs.
Surveying attendees, the organiser believes there is also evidence that the Royal National Mòd will have a lasting legacy for Perth and future Mòds.
They estimated a further £1m could be spent there by Mòd attendees returning again in the future.
One Mòd was nowhere enough for most, with 95 per cent of those surveyed saying they would be likely or highly likely to this year’s Mòd in Paisley this October,
Councillor Andrew Parrott, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s environment, infrastructure and economic development committee, said: “The Mòd not only delivered a significant boost to local businesses it also demonstrated what a great host city Perth is, both in terms of the venues we have and the warm welcome we gave to visitors last year.
“Before last year, Perth had not hosted the Mòd since 2004 and I hope it is not another 18 years before it returns.”
Councillor John Duff, Perth and Kinross Council’s Gaelic champion, added: “It was fantastic to host the Mòd in Perth last year and that so many visitors enjoyed their time here.”
An Comunn Gaidhealach runs the Royal National Mòd, with president Allan Campbell commenting: “We are delighted that the 2022 Mòd saw such an increase in attendees as we returned to a full-scale event."
The Royal National Mòd in Perth 2022 was supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Perth and Kinross Council, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.
