Mòd Eireachdail An Òbain A' Còrdadh Ris Na Mìltean Agus A' Bhratach A' Dol Gu Loch Abar Air- Son 2025 Thousands enjoy magnificent Oban Mòd as flag is passed to Lochaber for 2025

21st October 2024

Tha Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2024 a' tighinn gu crìch, an tachartas as motha de a sheòrsa a th' air a bhith ann an còig bliadhna. Bidh tàlantan ciùil bho air feadh na dùthcha agus nas fhaide air falbh a' tighinn còmhla ann am baile seunta an Òbain a' toirt crìoch air an fhèis iongantach naoi-latha.

A’ cuairteachadh còrr air 12 ionad air feadh baile a’ chosta an iar - ris an canar creathail a’ Mhòid - bho 11 - 19 Dàmhair, chunnaic prìomh fhèis Gàidhlig na h-Alba cànan, spòrs, ealain is cultar agus timcheall air 10,000 neach-tadhail a’ cruinneachadh ann am baile na mara, àrdachadh de 20% an taca ri an-uiridh, agus thathar a' meas gun cruthaich e còrr air £2 millean dhan eaconamaidh ionadail.

Thàinig luchd-frithealaidh à Lunnainn gu Leòdhas a-nuas dhan bhaile a choimhead oir bha còrr air 2,600 a’ gabhail pàirt ann an còrr air 200 farpais.

Ann an cuirm nan Còisirean Mòra sa mhadainn an-diugh, chruinnich còisirean a tha air a bhith a’ farpais an t-seachdain seo a’ seinn ann an aonadh aoibhneach agus iad a’ caismeachd bho phrìomh ionad na seachdain seo, Tallaichean a’ Chorrain gu Ceàrnag an Stèisein san Òban, còmhla ri Còmhlan Pìoba Àrd-sgoil an Òbain.

A’ leantainn leis an traidisean, chaidh bratach a’ Mhòid a thoirt seachad gu pròiseil gu Loch Abar, far am bi aoigheachd air deasachadh 2025 den fhèis air a bheil meas, agus an Comh. Raymond Bremner a’ faighinn a’ bhratach às leth Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd.

An-dè chaidh sreath sgoinneil de Cho-fharpaisean Còisir Sgìreil a chumail sa bhaile. Choisinn Còisir Ghàidhlig an Òbain Sgiath MhicShimidh is Thulaich Bhàrdainn airson an ceathramh Mòd ann an sreath, a chiad chòisir a rinn a leithid. Rinn iad seo nam baile fhèin agus far an robh a’ chiad Mòd a-riamh.

Bhuannaich Còisir Baile Ghobhainn Cupa Cuimhneachaidh Margrat Duncan airson a’ chiad turas riamh, fo stiùir Kathryn Callender, a bhuineas dhan Òban cuideachd. B’ e a’ chiad uair a bha iad san fharpais agus bhuannaich iad.

Chaidh urram a bhuileachadh air gaisgeach nan còisir Coinneach MacThòmais leis a’ Chomunn Ghàidhealach

Thuirt Sileas Sinclair, Stiùiriche Còisir an Òbain: "Tha sinn air leth moiteil gun do shoirbhich sinn sa bhaile againn fhìn-’s gann gun creid sinn. A’ chiad turas a bhuannaich sinn bho ghabh mi thairis mar stiùiriche ’s ann anns an Òban a bha e agus tha e air leth prìseil a ghlèidheadh a-rithist. Tha mi cho moiteil às a’ chòisir, tha iad air obair mhòr is chunbhalach a dhèanamh. Am bliadhna, bha sinn airson rud ùr a shealltainn agus thug sinn cuireadh do dh’Alasdair MacIlleBhàin òran ùr a dhèanamh às ar leth."

Thuirt Kathryn Callender, Stiùiriche Còisir Ghàidhlig Bhaile Ghobhainn: "Abair faireachadh math a bhith a’ buannachadh an-diugh. Bha sinn air ar dòigh a bhith air an àrd-ùrlar an-diugh agus bha sinn air deagh ullachadh a dhèanamh, ach chan eil fios le cinnt ciamar a thèid an latha. Tha obair nach gabh creidsinn ga dhèanamh airson am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a chur air adhart, ’s tha sinne a’ dèanamh a h-uile dìcheall le ar cuid Ghàidhlig. Tha e na mhòr thoileachas a bhith ag obair còmhla ri deagh sgioba de sheinneadairean ’s tha e a’ ciallachadh na h-uiread dhuinn."

Chaidh buannaiche Duais Ealain na Gàidhealtachd a’ Mhòid agus Comann Gàidhealach Lunnainn fhoillseachadh feasgar an-dè aig Ionad Achadh na Creige. Fhuair Jules Mather à Fùirneis ann an Earra-Ghàidheal a’ phrìomh dhuais leis an dealbh aice leis an tiotal Travelling Alone. Chaidh an dealbh aice a thaghadh bho gheàrr-liosta de 12 pìosan a chaidh a thaghadh leis an neach-ealain ainmeil agus an tidsear Iseabail Mhoireach. Mar bhuannaiche, bidh cothrom aig Jules Mather a cuid obrach a thaisbeanadh ann an taisbeanadh aig The Briggait ann an Glaschu, le cead bho Wasps Studios, an carthannas a tha a’ toirt seachad stiùidiothan do luchd-ealain agus luchd-cruthachaidh air feadh na h-Alba.

Thig an tachartas gu crìch le deireadh mòr a-nochd le taisbeanadh air leth soirbheachail leis an fheadhainn as fheàrr leis a’ Chost an Iar Trail West, a tha gu bhith a’ dùnadh na fèise ann an dòigh iongantach aig Tallaichean a’ Chorrain. Tha taic a’ tighinn bho Ruairidh MacIlleGhlais, a bhuannaich dà bhonn aig Mòd 2022.

Thòisich an tachartas naoi-latha le cuirm-chiùil dhrùidhteach leis a’ chòmhlan thraidiseanta air leth Mànran a chur a seachdain air a chasan le stoidhle.

Chaidh cuirm Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl a chumail Disathairne sa chaidh. Air a stiùireadh le ceòl le Sileas Mac na Ceàrdaich agus air a riochdachadh le John Joe MacNèill, thug a’ chuirm seachad taghadh de thàlant ionadail. Nam measg bha seinn iongantach an t-seinneadair ainmeil à Muile, Alasdair MacIlleBhàin, luchd-ciùil traidiseanta à Àrd-sgoil an Òbain agus Pìobairean Àrd-sgoil an Òbain, luchd-ciùil Fèis Latharna, Còisir Ghàidhlig an Òbain, Na Garvins, Sorren MacLean agus Hannah Fisher, agus ’s dòcha a’ chiad Chòisir Ghàidhlig Makaton san t-saoghal, ‘Aon Ghuth’.

Chaidh leabhar sònraichte a chuir air bhog air Diciadain, 16 Dàmhair, aig Ionad Achadh na Creige le rionnag nam meadhanan sòisealta agus mothachadh bèicearachd Coinneach MacLeòid, ris an canar cuideachd The Hebridean Baker. Anns an tachartas bha sgeulachdan, òrain, agus seisean tarraingeach le Padruig MacCuinn, The Hebridean Hutter.

Fad na seachdain, bha taisbeanadh a’ comharrachadh beatha agus dìleab Seònaid NicLachlainn, a’ chiad ghuth Gàidhlig a chaidh a chlàradh air a’ ghramophone ann an 1899. Air a chur air dòigh le Màiri Anna NicUalraig agus Priscilla Scott, chomharraich an taisbeanadh a’ bhuaidh dhomhainn a bha aig Seasaidh air a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail agus a cùrsa-beatha stòlda mar chleasaiche cruinneil.

Thuirt Seumas Greumach, Àrd-oifigear a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: "Bha an t-Òban air a bhith na dheagh fhear-aoigheachd do Mhòd 2024 agus sheall e cho fìor chudromach sa tha e don Ghàidhlig agus don chultar Cheilteach. Tha 132 bliadhna bho chaidh am Mòd Nàiseanta a chumail an seo an toiseach agus ged a tha tòrr air atharrachadh, tha spiorad is dealas seasmhach airson cànan is òrain na Gàidhlig fhathast air leth làidir. Bu mhath leinn ar taing dhùrachdach a thoirt don a h-uile duine a rinn an tilleadh dhachaigh cho soirbheachail - ar com-pàirtichean luachmhor agus luchd-urrais, eagraichean ionadail, saor-thoilich sònraichte agus na mìltean de luchd-tadhail, cleasaichean agus farpaisich.

"Chan urrainn dhuinn feitheamh gus a bhith air ais air a’ Ghàidhealtachd ann an 2025 agus a dhol suas an rathad gu Loch Abar airson tachartas air leth math eile as aithne dhomh a bheir buannachdan cultarail agus eaconamach don sgìre."

Thuirt an Comhairliche Jim Lynch, Ceannard Chomhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid: “Meal an naidheachd air a’ Chomunn Ghàidhealach, luchd-eagrachaidh, saor-thoilich, britheamhan agus com-pàirtichean co-cheangailte ri Mòd Nàiseanta 2024. ’S e tachartas air leth a bh’ ann agus tha thu air uimhir de dhath agus de thoileachas a thoirt don bhaile. Tha mi an dòchas gum faigh sibh uile fois air a bheil feum mòr mus tòisich ullachadh airson tachartas na h-ath bhliadhna ann an Loch Abar. Gur math a thèid leis a h-uile duine."

Thuirt an Comhairliche Bremner, Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd: “’S e urram agus urram a th’ ann a bhith a’ gabhail ri bratach a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail airson Loch Abar agus na Gàidhealtachd. Chaidh am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a chumail ann an Inbhir Nis mu dheireadh ann an 2021, agus tha sinn a’ coimhead air adhart ri fàilte a chuir air farpaisich agus luchd-leantainn a’ Mhòid a-rithist don sgìre. Tha sinn a’ guidhe gach soirbheachas don Chomunn Ghàidhealach agus don chomataidh eagrachaidh ionadail le Mòd 2025.”

Thuirt Rebecca Edser, Ceannard EventScotland, VisitScotland: “Tha am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail na dheagh chomharrachadh air cultar beòthail Gàidhlig na h-Alba, agus tha sinn moiteil gun tug sinn taic do thachartas na bliadhna-sa mar phàirt den raon fharsaing de thachartasan is fèisean againn a tha air am maoineachadh tro ar Prògram Maoineachaidh Tachartasan Eadar-nàiseanta.

“Tha àite cudromach aig tachartasan nar coimhearsnachdan, a’ toirt cothrom dhuinn eòlasan cuimhneachail a cheangal, a cho-roinn agus a mhealtainn. Tha e mìorbhaileach a bhith a’ faicinn farpaisich agus luchd-èisteachd bho air feadh na dùthcha agus nas fhaide air falbh, a’ faighinn tlachd às an tachartas bliadhnail seo a bhios a’ cruthachadh ceangal domhainn ris a’ chànan, ceòl agus traidiseanan a tha a’ dèanamh Alba gun samhail.”

Thuirt Ealasaid Dhòmhnallach, Ceannard Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: “Bu mhath le Bòrd na Gàidhlig meal a naidheachd a chur air a h-uile duine a bha an sàs sa Mhòd airson tachartas a chur air dòigh a mhaireas cho fada nar cuimhne. Bha inbhe nam farpaisean cho àrd, agus raon farsaing de thàlant Gàidhlig ri fhaicinn. Taing shònraichte don Òban airson an aoigheachd iongantach agaibh, a’ dearbhadh gu bheil coimhearsnachd aig cridhe na fèise mìorbhaileach seo.”

Thuirt Dòmhnall MacLeòid, Neach-gairm Comataidh Ionadail Mòd an Òbain: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte le Mòd an Òbain 2024! Chan e a-mhàin gu bheil e air a bhith na dheagh chomharrachadh air ar dualchas Gàidhlig, tha e a-rithist air solas a chuir air an raon iongantach de bheairteas cultarail a th’ againn san Òban agus na sgìrean mun cuairt. Tha tòrr againn ri togail air. Mar a dh’fhàgas am Mòd àite breith airson greis, tha sinn a’ toirt taing dhan a h-uile duine a chuidich le bhith a’ dèanamh soirbheachas air leth math - agus a’ guidhe gach soirbheachas dha ar deagh charaidean airson Mòd Loch Abar 2025.”

Fhuair Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail am-bliadhna san Òban taic bho EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid, Riaghaltas na h-Alba, Caledonian Mac a’ Bhriuthainn, BBC ALBA, Alba Chruthachail agus SQA.

Tillidh Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a Loch Abar ann an 2025, 10 – 18 Dàmhair.

Tuilleadh fiosrachaidh agus toraidhean Mòd 2024 aig www.ancomunn.co.uk.

ENGLISH
The 2024 Royal National Mòd concludes what has been the largest event of its kind in five years today. Musical talents from all over the country and beyond come together in the charming town of Oban bringing an end to the remarkable nine-day festival.

Spanning over 12 venues throughout the west coast town – known as the cradle of the Mòd – from 11 - 19 October, Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, sports, art, and culture saw approximately 10,000 visitors gather in the seaside town, an increase of 20% up on last year, and is estimated that it will have generated over £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.

This morning’s Massed Choirs performance saw choirs who have competed across this week gather to sing 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, with Cllr Bremner receiving the flag on behalf of Highland Council.

Yesterday saw an impressive round of Area Choir Competitions take place in the town. The incredibly talented Oban Gaelic Choir, conducted by Sileas Sinclair, took home the 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.

Sileas Sinclair, Conductor of Oban Gaelic Choir, said: “We’re delighted and overwhelmed to have won in our home town – we can’t quite believe it. The first time we won when I took over as conductor was in Oban so it’s really special to win here again. I’m so proud of the choir, they have been so dedicated. This year we wanted to perform something new for Oban so we asked Alasdair Whyte to write something for us and that will always be ours. It's been such a fantastic Mòd – from starting the week with amazing talented local musicians, to the choir winning in our home, it’s been amazing. I’m so proud to have such a great Mòd in Oban – the local committee and everyone involved have worked so hard to bring a brilliant Mòd here. I was brought up with the Mòd and I just love it. It’s been really special to take over the choir from my Dad and to make it happen with amazing people who are like family to me.”

Kathryn Callender, Conductor of Govan Gaelic Choir, said: “It feels fantastic to win today – it felt good up on the stage today and we were well prepared but you just never know when you go up how it’s going to go, all the ducks need to fall in a row. Massive amounts go into this event, we put a lot of work into our Gaelic. They’re just a fantastic bunch of singers and this means so much.”

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.

The event will culminate in a grand finale tonight with a stellar sell-out performance by West Coast favourites Trail West, who are set to close the festival in spectacular fashion at the Corran Halls. Support comes from the 2022 double Mòd medallist Ruairidh Gray.

The nine-day event began with an electrifying concert by the multi award-winning trad supergroup Mànran whose dynamic performance and innovative fusion of traditional and modern sounds captivated audiences and set the bar high for the week.

The beloved Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert took place last Saturday. Musically directed by Sileas Sinclair and compered by John Joe MacNeil, the concert presented an array of local talent including stunning performances from celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, Fèis Latharna musicians, Oban Gaelic Choir, The Garvins, Sorren MacLean and Hannah Fisher, and what is thought to be the world’s first Makaton Gaelic Choir, ‘Aon Ghuth’.

A special book launch took place on Wednesday, 16 October, at the Rockfield Centre with social media star and baking sensation Coinneach MacLeod, also known as The Hebridean Baker. The event featured stories, songs, and an engaging session with Padruig MacQueen, The Hebridean Hutter.

Throughout the week, an exhibition celebrated the life and legacy of Jessie MacLachlan, the first Gaelic voice recorded on the gramophone in 1899. Curated by Mary Ann Kennedy and Priscilla Scott, the exhibition highlighted Jessie’s profound impact on the Royal National Mòd and her storied career as a global performer.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer 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.”

Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Congratulations to An Comunn Gàidhealach, organisers, volunteers, judges and participants associated with the 2024 National Mòd. It’s been a marvellous event and you’ve brought so much colour and joy to the town. I hope you all enjoy a much needed rest before preparations kick off for next year’s event in Lochaber. Best of luck everyone.”

Councillor Bremner of Highland Council said: “It is an honour and privilege to accept the Royal National Mòd flag for Lochaber and the Highlands. The Royal National Mòd was last hosted in Inverness in 2021, and we look forward to welcoming all the competitors and followers of the Mòd again to the region. We wish An Comunn Gàidhealach and the local organising committee every success with the 2025 Mòd.”

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland said: “The Royal National Mod is a wonderful celebration of Scotland’s vibrant Gaelic culture, and we are proud to have supported this year’s event as part of our diverse portfolio of events and festivals funded through our International Events Funding Programme.

“Events play an important role in our communities, allowing us to connect, share and enjoy memorable experiences. It is wonderful to see competitors and audiences from across the country and beyond, to enjoy this annual event that foresters a deep connection to the language, music and traditions that make Scotland unique.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Mòd for making it one to remember. The competitions were of a high standard, showcasing a wide range of Gaelic talent. A special thank you to Oban for your wonderful hospitality, underlining that community and togetherness are at the heart of this wonderful festival.”

Donald MacLeod, Convener of the Oban Mòd Local Organising Committee said: “We are delighted with Mòd an Òbain 2024! Not only has it been a fantastic celebration of our Gaelic heritage, it has once again shone a light on the incredible array of cultural riches we have in Oban and surrounding areas. We have so much to build on. We wanted to make this the best Mòd possible and as the event leaves its birthplace for a while, we thank everyone who helped make it such a resounding success – and wish our good friends up the road, all the very best for Mòd Lochaber 2025.”

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban was supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, Bid4Oban, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd returns to Lochaber in 2025, from 10 - 18 October. For full results from across the week visit www.ancomunn.co.uk.

The Royal National Mòd’s principal funders include Bòrd na Gàidhlig, host Local Authorities and The Scottish Government.
The Royal National Mòd is a competitive festival owned and organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, whose objective is to promote Gaelic language and culture through music, song, dance, drama, literature, and the arts.

The Royal National Mòd is the principal Gaelic language festival, and it takes place annually in October in different locations throughout Scotland.

About The Royal National Mòd

The Royal National Mòd is organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Highland Association) which was founded in Oban in 1891 and has HM The King as its Patron.

The Gaelic word “Mòd” means “a gathering of people” and this festival was first held in Oban in 1892, and it has grown to become Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival famous for celebrating our Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage.

Following Royal assent and now known as The Royal National Mòd, it provides opportunities for people of all ages to perform across a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music and song, highland dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature.