Royal National Mòd 2020 goes ahead online

This year’s Royal National Mòd was due to take place in Inverness, but in response to the Covid-19 epidemic, event organiser An Comunn Gàidhealach moved it online.

The online version of the event will allow people to enjoy and celebrate Gaelic language and culture despite the cancellation of the Inverness event.

The event will showcase a range of performances from children and adults that have participated online this year.

Compilation programmes showcasing the performances will be broadcasting each day of the Mòd via An Comunn Gàidhealach’s social media channels.

An Comunn’s chief executive James Graham said: “We have been blown away by the effort that participants have made by creating videos and submitting their performances.

“To date, we have received well over 500 entries with a rise in international participants from as far afield as America, South America, Canada, Wales and England.”

In addition to showcasing participant performances, a programme of online events is planned to run alongside the online celebration.

An Comunn Gàidhealach has been working with organisation’s such as Film G, Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, Acair, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, The National Youth Pipe Band and other leading artists and musicians in order to develop a busy programme of events.

Allan Campbell, president of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are excited to be able to engage with audiences in this way, and celebrate our language and culture despite the current challenges facing the Arts. The current situation in which we find ourselves presents opportunities to be creative and engage with others using a different approach and the online Mòd is an example of this.”

BBC ALBA will broadcast special Mòd programmes during Mòd week. Programmes will be broadcast each evening at 9pm, October 12-16.

In keeping with tradition, BBC Radio nan Gàidheal will also deliver radio content throughout the week to create a true Mòd spirit.

Andrew Macnair, head of marketing at CalMac, one of principle funders of the Royal National Mòd, said: “It is very exciting to be part of the Mòd’s first digital showcase. This is an excellent opportunity to be involved in bringing the best of Gaelic music and culture directly into people’s homes across the world.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlig chief executive officer, Shona MacLennan added: “Throughout lockdown, our language and our culture brought joy and a sense of belonging to many people.

“We saw how important our culture was in making sure it brought people together in an extremely different way and as a result, this strengthened the Gaelic community.

“Bòrd na Gàidhlig wishes the very best to all those involved in competitions and the events online this year and we hope that next year we will all be together in Inverness.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney has welcomed An Commun Gàidhealach’s forward thinking in moving the Royal National Mòd to a virtual platform.

He said: “It is vital that the Mòd takes place to provide such a significant celebration of Gaelic culture.

“There is a wonderful depth of talent taking part in the annual Mòd and I am pleased these individuals will get the opportunity to showcase their wide variety of skills to a worldwide audience.”

To find out more information on The Royal National Mòd Online 2020 event visit the An Comunn Gàidhealach website and Royal National Mòd on Facebook or email [email protected] or call 01463 709705.