Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 19/12/2024

The Royal National Mòd 2024, held in the Scottish seaside town of Oban in October, resulted in a £3.6 million economic boost, doubling the estimated impact from the previous year. The event exceeded anticipated targets and surpassed figures for the past five years.

This year’s economic impact report was carried out by the Tourism Resources Company on behalf of the organisers, An Comunn Gàidhealach. The premier event, celebrating Gaelic language and culture, welcomed around 9,000 attendees - the largest attendance at the event in five years.

The report also found that:

  • the positive impact on the reputation of and interest in the Gaelic language was significant
  • the event and the Gaelic language’s improved people’s wellbeing and tackled social isolation
  • Oban benefitted greatly from hosting the 132-year-old event for the 17th time
  • visitors were impressed by the event’s organisation

Performers at Oban Mòd. Credit: Elaine LivingstonePerformers at Oban Mòd. Credit: Elaine Livingstone.

Spanning over 12 venues from 11-19 October, Scotland’s annual celebration of Gaelic language, sports, art, and culture welcomed more than 2,700 participants to compete in around 200 competitions.

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban was supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland, and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd returns to Lochaber in 2025 (for its ninth visit) from 10-18 October.

Find out more about the report statistics at ancomunn.co.uk

This report firmly demonstrates that both the Mòd and the Gaelic language are crucial economic and cultural assets to Scotland.

The Oban Mòd was a hugely successful event and to see the far-reaching benefits that this has brought to our host town, local businesses, and Gaelic speakers -learners and supporters alike- fills us with an immense sense of pride.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer, An Comunn Gàidhealach

The success of this year’s Mòd demonstrates how promoting Gaelic goes hand-in-hand with growing the economy.

There are thousands of Gaelic speakers around the world, making the language a unique selling point for attracting visitors into Scotland.

To grow the language, we have allocated an extra £5.7 million for Gaelic in next year’s draft budget.

We are also progressing the Scottish Languages Bill to strengthen the provision of Gaelic education.

Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister

This year, 2024, has been a fantastic year for Oban.

With the Mòd and the Clipper Race, we’ve shown yet again we can host large-scale, quality, high-profile events.

It’s been fantastic for our businesses and the town’s reputation.

As Scotland’s Town of the Year, and home of the Mòd, we congratulate the organisers on its success and look forward to welcoming it back many more times to come.

Jim Lynch, Councillor, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council

The Royal National Mòd in Oban has been a great success, showcasing the richness of Gaelic language, music, and culture, while bringing social, cultural and economic benefits to the region.

EventScotland is proud to have supported The Royal National Mòd through our International Events Programme, helping to ensure the Gaelic language continues to thrive and inspire audiences locally and internationally.

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland

Every year The Royal National Mòd generates enormous value in towns and cities across Scotland, both culturally and economically.

This year’s Mòd in Oban was no exception and demonstrated the importance and impact of the Gaelic language, our culture, and the Mòd itself to Scotland and to our communities.

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig

This official report confirms what many of us know "unofficially" – that, as its cradle and home, Oban knows how to host a sensational Mòd.

I am eternally grateful to members of the local committee, all of our volunteers, the pubs, cafes, shops, hotel,s and all forms of organisation locally who pulled together.

It made the town buzz with excitement and created a real festival atmosphere.

Donald MacLean, Convener, Oban Mòd Local Committee

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