With ripples of excitement of the 2023 Royal National Mòd still no doubt being felt, Oban organisers are already busy preparing to ensure Scotland’s premiere celebration of Gaelic language and culture’s return to its birthplace of Oban is one people will not forget.
Here is where it all started in 1891 and to celebrate the Royal National Mòd’s homecoming in 2024, Gaelic ambassadors of all ages came together in the town this week to mark the occasion.
The last time Oban hosted it was nine years ago.
Among those excited about the Mòd “coming home to roost” again was Peter MacQueen – Oban’s own TV producer, author and champion of Gaelic culture and heritage.
He said: “When you come from the Oban area, it is always exciting when the Mòd comes home to roost in the town where it all started back in 1891. The town is the perfect size to host the competitions, the choirs, the cèilidhs, the kilts and all the fringe events.
“With a brilliant mix of halls and spaces that are all within walking distance of each other, it really does create the perfect friendly atmosphere. I hope that people who are new to the Oban and Lorn area will feel welcome to come and join the cèilidh!”
Also celebrating the Mòd’s return to Oban, as well as the town’s success at this year’s Mòd, held in Paisley, is Oban Gaelic Choir conductor and devotee of the traditional music scene, Sileas Sinclair.
Coming off the back of another triumphant performance at this year’s Mòd, where the choir defended the coveted Lovat and Tullibardine shield for the third year in a row, Sileas and the champion choristers are hoping to be the first choir in Mòd history to retain the shield for four years running (see pages 20 and 21).
Mòd convener for 2024, Donald MacLean said: “We have thriving Gaelic medium education in the area and huge amounts of interest in the language; Mòd 2024 aims to galvanise this interest and kick start conversations about the future of Gaelic, not just in Oban, but nationally as well.
“We’re hugely grateful to An Comunn Gàidhealach for their support thus far, and
look forward to working with them over the next year to bring Mòd 2024 into being.
Additionally, we are really excited to be working alongside BID4Oban, The Rockfield
Centre and Argyll and Bute Council as key delivery partners, ensuring that there’s
something for everyone at Mòd an Òbain 2024.”
James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said the festival will bring a rich programme of events and an economic boost to the town.
“I’m sure attendees will enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm west coast hospitality that Oban has to offer as thousands of Gaels once again gather in celebration,” he said.
Mòd an Òbain dates are October 11 to October 19, featuring competitions in Gaelic song, poetry, drama, literature, sport and more, as well as a fringe programme that will be fit to burst.
Thousands of competitors, attendees and fringe revellers from across Scotland – and further afield – are expected.
To keep up with the latest from Mòd an Òbain 2024, you can sign up here linktr.ee/modanobain as well as follow on social media.