Royal National Mòd (Gaelic Culture) – Lochaber, Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Royal National Mòd, Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival, was established in 1892 by An Comunn Gàidhealach, founded in Oban in 1891 to preserve and promote the Gaelic language, literature, music, and arts. Modelled on the Welsh Eisteddfod, it gained Royal assent in 1902, becoming the Royal National Mòd. Held annually in rotating Scottish locations, the 2025 event marks its ninth return to Lochaber (Fort William), last hosted in 2017 with over 10,000 attendees and £2.6 million in economic impact.

Featuring over 200 competitive categories (e.g., Gaelic singing, piping, fiddle, drama, poetry) and vibrant fringe events, it draws competitors from the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the USA. Supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, EventScotland, and local authorities, it fosters Gaelic culture at local, national, and international levels.,,,,

Event Highlights

• Opening Ceremony: 10 October 2025, 7:00 PM, Fort William High Street, free. Torchlight procession with pipe bands, led by local Lochaber talent.,
• Opening Concert: 10 October 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM, Nevis Centre, £13.50 ≈ $16.88 USD. Features Dàimh (local band) and Ceilear (Skye collective).,
• Competitions: 10–18 October 2025, various venues (e.g., Nevis Centre, Lochaber High School), £5–£20 ≈ $6.25–$25 USD (speculative, based on past events). Over 200 categories, including choral singing, accordion, fiddle, piping, drama, poetry, and Battle of the Bands. Entry deadline: 31 May 2025.,
• Fringe Events: 10–18 October 2025, various locations (e.g., High Street, local pubs), free–£15 ≈ $0–$18.75 USD. Includes street cèilidhs, workshops, cultural exhibitions, and Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (11 October, featuring Lochaber Gaelic Choir, pipe bands, Ardnamurchan High School trad group, Jane Douglas School of Dance).,
• Mòd Academy: 10–18 October 2025, Lochaber schools, free for students. Gaelic song, music, and poetry workshops for children, led by tutors like Mary Ann Kennedy and Riona Whyte.
• Closing Ceremony: 18 October 2025, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM, Nevis Centre, £10–£15 ≈ $12.50–$18.75 USD (speculative). Awards, performances, and farewell cèilidh.

City

• Fort William, Lochaber: Scotland’s “Outdoor Capital,” at the foot of Ben Nevis, with a strong Gaelic heritage. Known for its scenic beauty, historic forts, and cultural vibrancy, it’s 65 miles from Inverness, accessible by train or bus.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues: Nevis Centre (PA33 6AN, main competitions, ceremonies), Fort William High Street (PA33 6EU, procession, fringe), Lochaber High School (PA33 7BX, competitions).
• Secondary Venues: Local venues (e.g., Ben Nevis Hotel, An Drochaid) for fringe events; list TBD at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
• Administrative Contact: An Comunn Gàidhealach, 5 Mitchell’s Lane, Inverness, IV2 3HQ, or Unit 7A, 7 James Street, Stornoway, HS1 2QN; info@ancomunn.co.uk.
• Note: Full venue details at www.ancomunn.co.uk.,

Date & Duration

• Date: 10–18 October 2025.
• Duration: 9 days.
• Opening Times:
  • Opening Ceremony: 10 October, 7:00 PM (procession).
  • Competitions: 10–18 October, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM daily (varies by venue).
  • Fringe Events: 10–18 October, typically 12:00 PM–11:00 PM (times TBD).
  • Closing Ceremony: 18 October, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM.
• Note: Times per provided document and,; check www.ancomunn.co.uk for updates.

Venue / Location

• Nevis Centre: Main hub (PA33 6AN). Step-free access, accessible toilets, hearing loops; BSL interpretation available. Limited parking; Blue Badge spaces via info@ancomunn.co.uk.
• Fort William High Street: Procession and fringe events (PA33 6EU). Limited accessibility due to crowds and uneven surfaces; contact info@ancomunn.co.uk for inquiries.
• Lochaber High School: Competition venue (PA33 7BX). Accessibility TBD; contact info@ancomunn.co.uk.
• Other Venues: Fringe events in pubs/community halls (e.g., Ben Nevis Hotel, An Drochaid). Details TBD at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
• Note: Accessibility details per; full 2025 venue list TBD at www.ancomunn.co.uk.

Contact Information

• Email: info@ancomunn.co.uk (general, ticketing, accessibility); mod@ancomunn.co.uk (event-specific).
• Phone: +44 1463 709705 (Inverness); +44 1851 703487 (Stornoway).
• Website: www.ancomunn.co.uk (main, tickets, syllabus, fringe programme).
• Social Media: @RoyalNationalMod (Facebook, Instagram), @NationalMod (Twitter/X), @AnComunnGaidhealach (Facebook). Newsletter signup at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
• Ticketing: Via Ticket Tailor (www.ancomunn.co.uk/nationalmod/tickets) or local venues (e.g., Nevis Centre, +44 1397 700707).

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Tickets via www.ancomunn.co.uk (Ticket Tailor) or local venues (e.g., Nevis Centre box office, +44 1397 700707). Early bird tickets from July 2025; general sale post-25 August 2025. Donations via JustGiving (www.justgiving.com/ancomunngaidhealach). Refunds per Ticket Tailor policies; booking fees (~£1 ≈ $1.25 USD) may apply. Contact info@ancomunn.co.uk for groups or accessibility.,
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.25 USD):
  • Opening Concert: £13.50 ≈ $16.88 USD (confirmed).
  • Competitions: £5–£20 ≈ $6.25–$25 USD (speculative, based on past events).
  • Closing Ceremony: £10–£15 ≈ $12.50–$18.75 USD (speculative).
  • Fringe Events: Free–£15 ≈ $0–$18.75 USD (e.g., cèilidhs, workshops).
  • Donations: Suggested $2.50–$12.50 USD via JustGiving or at events (not mandatory).
• Additional Notes: Prices partially speculative, based on provided document and full 2025 prices TBD July 2025 at www.ancomunn.co.uk. Concessions (students/seniors) TBD. Dress code: casual or traditional (e.g., kilts). Photography/filming for promotional use.

Cultural Significance

The Royal National Mòd is Scotland’s flagship celebration of the Gaelic language and culture, preserving an indigenous heritage through competitions, performances, and community engagement. It promotes Gaelic in everyday life, supports emerging talent via the Mòd Academy, and fosters national pride. Lochaber’s 2025 hosting, with its strong Gaelic roots and notable musicians (e.g., Robert Robertson, Rachel Walker), amplifies its cultural impact, generating significant economic benefits (~£2.6 million in 2017). The festival’s global reach strengthens Scotland’s cultural identity.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venues: Food stalls at Nevis Centre and High Street (e.g., hot drinks, snacks, Scottish fare, $5–$15 USD, cash/card). Limited alcohol at ticketed events; none at free outdoor events due to regulations.
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Grog & Gruel (Fort William, pub fare, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk from High Street).
  • Crannog Seafood Restaurant (seafood, $15–$30 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • Ben Nevis Inn (Scottish cuisine, $10–$20 USD, 15-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at nearby pubs (e.g., The Grog & Gruel, $5–$10 USD); no alcohol at outdoor public events like the procession.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Suitable for all ages; Mòd Academy engages children with free workshops. Parental discretion is advised for crowded events like the procession. Arrive early (6:30 PM) for procession viewing.
• Accessibility:
  • Nevis Centre: Step-free access, accessible toilets, hearing loops; BSL interpretation available. Blue Badge parking via info@ancomunn.co.uk.
  • High Street: Limited accessibility due to crowds/uneven surfaces.
  • Lochaber High School: Accessibility TBD; contact info@ancomunn.co.uk.
  • Assistance animals welcome; full details TBD at www.ancomunn.co.uk.

Getting There

• By Air: Inverness Airport (INV, 65 miles, 90-minute drive); Glasgow Airport (GLA, 100 miles, 2-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Fort William Railway Station (2 hours from Glasgow, $20–$40 USD, 5-minute walk to High Street). Check www.scotrail.co.uk.
  • Bus: Scottish Citylink from Glasgow/Inverness to Fort William ($10–$20 USD, stops at High Street). Free for under 22s/over 60s with a Scottish bus pass.
• By Car: Limited parking at Nevis Centre ($5–$10 USD); Blue Badge spaces via info@ancomunn.co.uk. Nearby car parks at West End (PA33 6DU, 5-minute walk).
• By Coach: Pre-book parking via info@ancomunn.co.uk (24 hours’ notice).
• By Bike/Foot: 5-minute walk from Fort William Station; bike rentals at Nevis Cycles ($10–$20 USD/day).
• By Taxi: Fort William Taxis (+44 1397 703030, $5–$10 USD).
• Rideshare: Uber ($5–$15 USD, limited availability).

Program Details

• Key Dates:
  • 1–31 May 2025: Competition entries (www.ancomunn.co.uk/nationalmod/syllabus, deadline 31 May).
  • 25 August 2025: Preliminary programme released.
  • 10–18 October 2025: Main events (competitions, fringe, ceremonies).
• Daily Highlights:
  • 10 October: Torchlight procession (7:00 PM, free), Opening Concert (7:30 PM, Nevis Centre, $16.88 USD).
  • 11 October: Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (evening, venue TBD, $10–$15 USD), competitions (9:00 AM–9:00 PM).
  • 12–17 October: Competitions (e.g., choral, piping, poetry), fringe events (cèilidhs, workshops, times TBD).
  • 18 October: Closing Ceremony (7:00 PM, Nevis Centre, $12.50–$18.75 USD).
• Note: Programme speculative for non-confirmed events; full details TBD July 2025 at www.ancomunn.co.uk.,,

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: Oban Mòd, 2,700 competitors, largest in five years; winners included Gaelic choirs and pipers.
• 2017 (Lochaber): Record 3,600 competitors; performances by Robert Robertson, Rachel Walker.,
• Historical: Gold Medalists like Calum MacColl, Margaret MacLellan-Ford.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco Practices: Encourages public transport (ScotRail, Citylink). Digital tickets via Ticket Tailor; recycling at venues. Aligns with Lochaber’s environmental goals. Full 2025 details TBD at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
• Community Focus: Supports local businesses and Gaelic education via Mòd Academy.

Educational Impact

• Mòd Academy: Free workshops in Lochaber schools, teaching Gaelic song, music, and poetry to children.
• Cultural Education: Competitions and fringe events promote the Gaelic language and heritage.
• Public Engagement: Syllabus (www.ancomunn.co.uk/nationalmod/syllabus) encourages participation; donations support An Comunn Gàidhealach’s work.

Cultural Activities

• Torchlight Procession: 10 October, 7:00 PM, High Street, free. Pipe bands and community performers.
• Competitions: 10–18 October, various venues, $6.25–$25 USD. Over 200 categories, showcasing Gaelic arts.
• Fringe Events: Street cèilidhs, workshops, exhibitions, e.g., Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (11 October).
• Closing Ceremony: 18 October, 7:00 PM, Nevis Centre, $12.50–$18.75 USD. Awards and performances.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets from July 2025 via www.ancomunn.co.uk; accommodation is scarce in October. Book via www.visitscotland.com.
• Weather Prep: October (45–55°F, rainy); pack waterproofs, warm layers, sturdy shoes.
• Explore Locally: Ben Nevis (hiking, free, 15-minute drive), Glencoe Visitor Centre ($10 USD, 20-minute drive), Steall Falls (free, 10-minute drive).
• Public Transport: ScotRail smartcard ($5 USD); Citylink bus tickets ($10–$20 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.ancomunn.co.uk; no dedicated app.

Local Attractions

• Ben Nevis: UK’s highest peak (hiking, free, 15-minute drive).
• Glencoe Visitor Centre: Scenic and historical exhibits ($10 USD, 20-minute drive).
• Steall Falls: Waterfall hike (free, 10-minute drive).
• West Highland Museum: Local history ($5 USD, 5-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: Alexandra Hotel ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk from High Street).
• B&Bs: Treetops B&B ($80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Fort William cottages ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months for October; check www.visitscotland.com.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Nevis Centre; Raigmore Hospital (Inverness, 65 miles, 90-minute drive).
• Security: Crowd control at High Street procession; bag checks at Nevis Centre.
• Health Protocols: Sanitiser stations; optional masks. Full 2025 details TBD at www.ancomunn.co.uk.
• Safeguarding: Per An Comunn Gàidhealach policies at www.ancomunn.co.uk.