The Royal National Mòd 2022, which took place in Perth from 14 to 22 October, saw a £2.5 million uplift to the area’s economy, with 98% of spending taking place in the Fair City over the cultural festival’s nine days.
The 130-year-old event, which celebrates Gaelic language, music, and culture featured a variety of incredible competitions, performances, workshops and activities, providing a huge social and cultural boost to Perth.
Performers at the Our Language Our Music at the Royal National Mòd 2022 (credit: Elaine Livingstone)
The 2022 event saw a 130% increase in in-person attendees since 2021 when some COVID-19 restrictions were in place, welcoming more than 7,500 visitors and providing an economic uplift that helped support around 30 FTE jobs.
There is also evidence that the Royal National Mòd will have a lasting legacy for the city of Perth, and future Mòds. Visitors highly regarded the city and its host venues and it is estimated a further £1 million could be spent there by Mòd attendees returning again in the future. One Mòd was nowhere enough for most, with 95% of those surveyed saying they would be likely or highly likely to this year’s Mòd in Paisley this October.
From its torchlight parade opening accompanied by the pipes to the massed choirs closing proceedings, the Mòd’s return to Perth was a huge success and the city provided the perfect stage for this celebration of Gaelic culture. To see a £2.5 million boost to the area is a fantastic reflection of the economic benefits of events, in addition to their important role in communities coming together to enjoy and share memorable experiences.
Pipe band at the massed choir event at the Royal National Mòd 2022 (credit: Elaine Livingstone)
We are delighted that the 2022 Mòd saw such an increase in attendees as we returned to a full-scale event. It is such a vital festival in the calendar of the Gaelic community and one that we know year on year has a massive cultural and economic impact on host towns and cities across Scotland. Perth was no different, with the Mòd generating a sizable economic boost to the city and surrounding areas, as well as stimulating interest in Gaelic language and culture.
An Comunn congratulates everyone involved in the 2022 Royal National Mòd and we are very much looking forward to this year’s 2023 event in Paisley. We hope to see a continued upward trajectory in participants and visitors as we head to Renfrewshire this October.
The Royal National Mòd in Perth 2022 was supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Perth & Kinross Council, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.
This year’s Royal National Mòd will be held in Paisley between 13 to 21 October. Visit the official Royal National Mòd website for more information.