The 2024 Royal National Mòd has bid farewell to Oban in what has been the largest event of its kind in five years today.
Spanning over 12 venues throughout the west coast town, approximately 10,000 visitors
gathered for the nine-day festival of Gaelic song and culture.
Visitor numbers are up by 20% compared to last year, and the event has generated an estimated £2 million for the local economy.
Attendees from London to Lewis descended on the town to watch as over 2,600 participants competed in over 200 competitions.
On Saturday the massed choirs performance saw Gaelic choirs singing in joyful unison as they paraded from this week’s flagship venue, the Corran Halls to Oban’s Station Square, accompanied by Oban High School Pipe Band.
Following the tradition, the Mòd flag was proudly passed to Lochaber, which will host the 2025 edition of the cherished festival.
► Royal National Mòd set to return to the Western Isles
An impressive round of large area choir competitions took place on Friday with Oban Gaelic Choir, conducted by Sileas Sinclair, claiming the coveted Lovat and Tullibardine Shield for their fourth consecutive Mòd, making history at their hometown event and the birthplace of the Mòd as the first choir to win the title four years running.
The outstanding Govan Gaelic Choir lifted the Margrat Duncan Memorial Trophy, led by their talented conductor Kathryn Callender, who also hails from Oban. This is the first time competing in the Margrat Duncan and they managed to take the title on their first attempt.
Royal National Mòd stalwart Kenny Thomson, was also honoured by An Comunn Gàdlealach
with a special token of appreciation to mark his last Mòd as a conductor. The long-standing
conductor of Glasgow Gaelic Choir (fondly known as the GGs), was recognised for his
outstanding 41-year contribution to the choir.
The winner of the Mòd and Highland Society of London’s Highland Art Prize was also revealed yesterday afternoon at the Rockfield Centre. Jules Mather of Furnace in Argyll took the top prize with her painting entitled Travelling Alone. Her painting was selected from a shortlist of 12 pieces chosen by celebrated artist and teacher Ishbel Murray. As the winner, Jules Mather will have the opportunity to present her work in an exhibition at The Briggait in Glasgow, courtesy of Wasps Studios, the charity that provides studio spaces to artists and creators across Scotland.
James Graham, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Oban proved to be the perfect host for the 2024 Mòd and showed what an incredible epicentre for Gaelic and Celtic culture it is. 132 years since the National Mòd was first hosted here and though much has changed, an enduring spirit and enthusiasm for Gaelic language and song remains incredibly strong.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all those that made this homecoming such a success – our valued partners and sponsors, local organisers, dedicated volunteers and the thousands of visitors, performers and competitors.
“We cannot wait to be back in the Highlands in 2025 and to head up the road to Lochaber for what I know will be another excellent event that will bring both cultural and economic benefits to the area.”
Massed choirs bid fond farewell to Royal National Mòd for another year
21 October 2024
