One month from now, the Highland hub of Lochaber will welcome the world’s largest event celebrating Gaelic language and culture when the Royal National Mòd arrives.
Taking place from 10 to 18 October 2025, the Scottish cultural extravaganza is expected to welcome up to 10,000 competitors, musicians, and visitors to Fort William and to the surrounding area. The event will bring many economic, social and cultural benefits.
The Royal National Mòd is once again supported through EventScotland's International Events Programme.
EventScotland has provided funding for the Royal National Mòd for many years, contributing to the growth and development of the event. Competitor numbers have risen for the third consecutive year, with more than 1,900 individual entries.
The remarkable event boasts around 200 competition categories including:
There are more than 270 medals and trophies up for grabs across these categories.
Trophy winner at the 2024 Royal National Mòd. © The Royal National Mòd
The packed nine-day programme will also feature cèilidhs, concerts, exhibitions, processions, book launches, and food and drink tastings.
This uniquely Scottish event will take over the streets and venues of Fort William this autumn.
Highlights include:
Band performing at the Ar Cànan’s Ar Ceòl concert in 2024. © The Royal National Mòd
The event plays an important role in Scotland's visitor economy, helping to bring many economic, social and cultural benefits to the region, in which it is held.
With one month until the action gets underway, Lochaber residents, businesses, and musicians are preparing to give visitors a warm Highland welcome.
Local company Shiel Buses will be on hand to help competitors, performers, and audiences hop around Fort William with their shuttle service, which will include the vintage MacBraynes bus in their fleet.
Long-time supporters of the Mòd, family-run Shiel Buses was founded in Ardanamurchan and has grown to provide transport on a national scale.
Medal winners on a Shiel Bus at the 2024 Royal National Mòd. © The Royal National Mòd
Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the Royal National Mòd provides an essential platform for using, improving, and showcasing Gaelic for thousands of speakers, learners, and supporters.
In addition to the support through EventScotland's International Events Programme, this year's event is supported by:
We’re thrilled to play our part in welcoming visitors to Fort William and supporting this incredible celebration of Gaelic culture.
The Mòd is not only a highlight for musicians and performers, but also a vital boost for local businesses and the wider community.
We’re proud to provide transport that connects people to the heart of the action, and we’re especially excited to showcase the vintage MacBraynes bus as part of the experience.
It’s an honour to continue our long-standing support of the Mòd and to help make this year’s event a memorable one for all.
The Royal National Mòd is part of our diverse portfolio of annual events and festivals that celebrate Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.
Gaelic is a key part of our cultural identity, and this year’s event will once again be a wonderful showcase of language and culture for both visitors and locals to enjoy.
As part of Scotland’s world-class tourism and events offering, the Royal National Mòd will shine a spotlight on Lochaber and the surrounding area, helping to draw visitors and support local businesses.
One month from now Fort William will be a bustling hub of song, music, culture, and community, and the excitement is palpable.
With growing numbers of participants, the event shows just what a living, breathing, thriving language Gaelic is.
It’s fantastic to see the community’s enthusiasm and the support from local businesses for the Mòd.
As the countdown begins, we look forward to see Lochaber shine as it welcomes Gaels from across Scotland and beyond to this unforgettable gathering.
The anticipation is really starting to build now towards what will be a fantastic celebration in Lochaber.
We are all looking forward to the Royal National Mòd’s return to the Highlands, and it’s clear that organisers have put together an excellent programme of events with something for everyone.
It is especially encouraging to see that competitor numbers have risen, which is testament to the work being done in so many homes, schools, and communities, helped by initiatives like the Mòd Academy.
Highland Council sees Gaelic and culture as prized assets, which carry enormous social and economic benefits for the area.
The Royal National Mòd will provide a terrific opportunity to showcase and celebrate our long-standing commitment to the language.