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Lochaber Gears Up to Host the Royal National Mòd 2025
Taking place from 10 – 18 October 2025, the Scottish cultural extravaganza is expected to welcome up to 10,000 competitors, musicians and visitors to Fort William and to the surrounding area.
In less than a month, Lochaber will welcome the world’s largest celebration of Gaelic language and culture as the Royal National Mòd returns to Fort William from 10–18 October 2025.
Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival is expected to draw up to 10,000 competitors, performers and visitors to the Highland hub, with participation continuing to rise. This year sees over 1,900 individual entries across 200 competition categories, from music and poetry to dance and visual arts, with more than 270 medals and trophies to be awarded.
Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach—founded in Oban in 1891—the Royal National Mòd is renowned for celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage. It offers people of all ages the chance to perform across a wide range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music and song, highland dancing, instrumental performance, drama, sport and literature.
Beyond the competitions, the Mòd will transform Fort William with cèilidhs, concerts, exhibitions, processions, book launches and food and drink tastings. Highlights include the Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl concert showcasing Lochaber talent such as Mànran’s Ewen Henderson and Gaelic singer Rachel Walker, a piping night with Allan MacDonald and Angus Nicolson, and the Remembered in Exile concert featuring Màiri Morrison and Alasdair Roberts performing songs from Nova Scotia.
This marks the ninth time Lochaber has hosted the 133-year-old event, which rotates annually across Scotland. Local residents, businesses and musicians are preparing to offer a warm Highland welcome. Among them is Shiel Buses, providing shuttle services throughout Fort William, including their vintage MacBraynes bus. Founded in Ardnamurchan, the family-run company has long supported the Mòd. Donald MacGillivary of Shiel Buses said:
“We’re proud to support this incredible celebration of Gaelic culture. The Mòd is a highlight for performers and a boost for local businesses. We’re especially excited to showcase our vintage bus and help make this year’s event memorable.”
James Graham, CEO of An Comunn Gàidhealach, added:
“Fort William will soon be alive with song, music and community spirit. The growing number of participants shows Gaelic is thriving. We’re thrilled by the local enthusiasm and support.”
Highland Council Leader Raymond Bremner said:
“Anticipation is building for what promises to be a fantastic celebration. The rise in competitor numbers reflects the dedication in homes, schools and communities, supported by initiatives like the Mòd Academy. Gaelic and culture are vital assets with huge social and economic value.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said:
“The Royal National Mòd is a key part of Scotland’s cultural calendar. Gaelic is central to our identity, and this year’s event will showcase it beautifully, drawing visitors and supporting local businesses.”
The 2025 event is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highland Council, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.
Tickets for flagship events are available now at buytickets.at/ancomunn.
