The Royal National Mòd looks forward to Inverness 2020

Scotland’s biggest Gaelic cultural festival will return to the capital of the Highlands for the first time since 2014.

In the last days of the event in the Western Isles the Fringe showcased exhibition ‘Dol Fodha Na Grèine’ (The Going Down of the Sun) in Stornoway Town Hall, which looked at the triumphs and sorrows of the First World War.

The presentation was delivered through the writings, photographs and artefacts of communities across the Isle of Lewis, from Ness in the North, to Ballantrushal further South.

At another event on the closing Friday leading Gaelic singers such as, Iain MacKay, Linda MacLeod and Arthur Cormack performed songs from their home islands in a ‘Place of My Heart’ at An Lanntair with festival goers enjoying the Mòd Closing Ceilidh on Friday night.

This morning (Saturday morning) the Massed Choir assembled at Stornoway Town Hall, before making its way to the Nicolson Institute for a final sing-a-long.

CalMac have put on additional ferry crossings from Lewis on Saturday to accommodate the volume of traffic leaving Stornoway from the Royal National Mòd.

John Morrison, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach said: “We can’t thank the Western Isles and the local organising committee enough for their hospitality. The level of competition across all age groups has been outstanding and I’m sure we’ll be seeing many familiar faces in Lochaber next year.

“It gives us great pleasure to finally be announcing a return to Inverness for 2020’s festival.”

Provost of Inverness Councillor Helen Carmichael said: “I am delighted that the Royal National Mòd will be returning to the capital of the Highlands in 2020.

“Highland Council is committed to the development of the Gaelic language and the flagship Royal National Mòd is most welcome to Inverness.

“A study showed that the 2014 Mòd when hosted in Inverness generated an impressive £3.5million to the business community in Inverness.”

Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairperson of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Implementation Group said: “The Council’s commitment to Gaelic is evident especially in relation to Gaelic Medium Education which is currently available in many areas with the region from large combination’s to rural communities Ullapool, Dingwall, Tain, Newtonmore, Staffin, and Sleat, to mention just a few of the locations.”

He continued, “We also have successful dedicated Gaelic Schools in Inverness, and in Lochaber which was officially opened in the spring this year.

“Recently a turf cutting took place for a new Gaelic School in Portree. This all forms a strong basis for a successful Royal National Mòd in the Capital of the Highlands.”