Royal National Mòd closes after welcoming record number of attendees

The world’s largest Scottish Gaelic festival has drawn to a close after welcoming a record number of attendees.

Royal National Mòd has seen an estimated attendance of 11,500 over the week, with a record number of competitors and visitors enjoying around 300 competitions and events across 16 Glasgow venues.

Organisers say the festival looks set to surpass last year’s economic impact of £3.9 million, as attendances increased by 20% on last year’s event in Lochaber.

The multi-arts festival was closed in breathtaking style as hundreds of Gaelic singers gathered by the Donald Dewar statue at the top of Buchanan Street, accompanied by Kilbarchan Pipe Band, before singing together for the much-loved Massed Choirs event.

The symbolic Mòd flag, which is passed from one host region to another each year, was handed to the Western Isles, who will welcome the event in 2027. 

Peigi MacLennan, chief executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Ceud mìle taing Glaschu, a hundred thousand thanks, Glasgow. What a Royal National Mòd the city has given us. Glasgow has a deep, enduring Gaelic story, and this week we’ve seen how strong Gaelic is in the city today.

“The language has a vital role to play in modern Scotland, in our cultural landscape and national identity, and this was on full display. 

“It takes a huge collective effort to make a National Mòd happen so we must share our gratitude to the competitors, performers, adjudicators, volunteers, partners, funders and audiences for pulling off an event of this scale and success.

“We can safely say that Glasgow’s role as the City of the Gaels remains. Now we look ahead to continuing ensuring a bright future for Gaelic language, music and culture as we return to a region which is a stronghold of and beacon for the language.”

There was stiff competition and standing ovations at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall as gauntlets were thrown down yesterday for the last of the competitions.

Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association, known fondly as the GGs, and Portree Gaelic Choir each came out on top in each of the beloved area choir competitions. 

Conducted by Iseabail Mactaggart, Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association, won the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield, while Portree Gaelic Choir, conducted by Thursday’s traditional gold medalist Iain Cormack, lifted the Margrat Duncan Memorial Trophy.

The roof was almost off the Barrowlands with a rousing night of trad music for Gael Force 10 on Friday, fronted by broadcasters Gary Innes and Joy Dunlop. Hundreds of audience members threw themselves into a massive Orcadian Strip the Willow, a huge Gay Gordon’s and more.

Elsewhere, budding artists from across Scotland came together for the Highland Art Prize at the Briggait, with Jenny Cunningham from An Talla Solais in Ullapool honoured for her piece, Evening Light.

This year’s judges, multi-disciplinary artist Eòghann Mac Colla and gallery owner Scott Bennett, selected the Highland artist’s work from a 70-strong shortlist to exhibit at next year’s Mòd.

Cabinet secretary for education, culture and gaelic Màiri McAllan said: “I was honoured to open The Royal National Mòd, which demonstrates the best of Gaelic, and it has been a delight to see the range of contests and events that have been hosted in Glasgow.

“An Comunn Gàidhealach, the Mòd volunteers, and all the contestants have once more ensured Scotland gets to enjoy the national platform which the festival provides.

“I would particularly like to congratulate the schoolchildren who took part, making their schools and communities proud by showing the bright future which lies ahead for Gaelic.

Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events, added: “The Royal National Mòd continues to shine a spotlight on the talent, creativity, and passion at the heart of Gaelic culture.

“This year’s event has showcased an exceptional breadth of performance and achievement, bringing people together to celebrate Gaelic language, music, and literature.

“As well as providing a platform for Gaelic language and culture to be shared and celebrated, the Mòd helps showcase the distinctive experiences that can only be found in Scotland, inspiring visitors to discover our communities, history, and cultural traditions. Congratulations to all this year’s winners and participants, and to everyone involved in making this year’s event such a success.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “What a week we have had here in Glasgow. Congratulations to An Comunn Gàidhealach, the local committee, and the competitors on organising such a successful and enjoyable Mòd, and a brilliant showcase and celebration of Gaelic culture. I would also like to thank the people of Glasgow for extending such a warm welcome to all those who attended. I’m now looking forward to us gathering again in Stornoway next year, and I wish the planning team every success.” 

Glasgow Life Chair and City Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “The 2026 Royal National Mòd has been a resounding success, and Glasgow has taken great pride in once again being able to host the world’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, music and arts.

“The prestigious cultural competitions brought together an incredible range of both experienced and emerging talent, attracting audiences from near and far to enjoy outstanding performances. The extensive fringe programme, staged at venues throughout the city, also provided a fantastic variety of events offering opportunities for everyone – whether they speak the language or not – to gather and experience a wealth of wonderful, traditional and contemporary, Gaelic creative expression.

“This year’s festival really shone a spotlight on how important Gaelic is to our nation and to our city. As the Mòd Ghlaschu 2026 highlighted, Gaelic is not only woven into our history and heritage, it plays a vital, vibrant role in our cultural identity and we are delighted to continue encouraging, supporting and developing that.”