Royal National Mòd generated £3.9 million economic boost for Lochaber

20th January 2026

Chruthaich Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail - an fhèis Ghàidhlig as motha san t‑saoghail – buannachd eaconamach £3.9 millean do Loch Abar, am Mòd as soirbheachail mar sin ann an sia bliadhna.

Sheall aithisg a dh'ullaich eòlaichean aig Tourism Resources Company, às leth an luchd‑eagrachaidh An Comunn Gàidhealach, gun robh còrr air 9,400 neach‑tadhail aig an tachartas, àrdachadh 4% an taca ri 2024. Thug sin deagh bhuaidh air companaidhean ionadail is barrachd airgid air a chosg sa sgìre.

ENGlish Translation Further Down This Page

Thairis air naoi làithean eadar 10 – 18 Dàmhair rinn Am Mòd An Gearasdan na ionad Gàidhlig air leth. Thathar am beachd gun deach 69 obraichean làn-ùine a stèidheachadh bho a bhith a’ cumail an tachartas sa sgìre.

Chaidh an tachartas mòr aithneachadh aig Duaisean MG ALBA, Na Trads air sgàth ’s a’ bhuaidh sa choimhearsnachd. Bha e cuideachd air leth soirbheachail ann a bhith a’ brosnachadh cleachdadh na Gàidhlig – a tha air ainmeachadh gu laghail a‑nis mar chànan Albannaich oifigeil.

Am measg an fheadhainn a chaidh an sgrùdadh san aithisg, chreid 83% barrachd ann an cudromachd na Gàidhlig às dèidh A’ Mhòd. Bha cuideachd 74% nas buailtiche a dhol gu barrachd thachartasan Gàidhlig, 71% airson an cuid Ghàidhlig a leasachadh agus 70% airson Gàidhlig a chleachdadh nas trice.

’S e cruinneachadh bliadhnail cudromach a th’ anns A’ Mhòd do Ghàidheil agus do luchd‑taic ann an Alba is air feadh an t‑saoghail. Chaidh dearbhadh gun robh buannachdan sòisealta na lùib cuideachd – dh’aithnich 83% gun robh e na dheagh dhòigh cruinneachadh le caraidean, bha 80% air am brosnachadh a dhol an sàs gu sòisealta agus 73% ag aithneachadh gun do rinn an tachartais feum dhan slàinte‑inntinn aca.

B’ e 2025 an naoidheamh turas a bha an tachartas a tha 133 bliadhna a dh’aois ann an Loch Abar, àite air leth air a shon uair eile. Bha An Gearasdan air a mholadh leis an fheadhainn a bha an làthair, thuirt 91% gur e àite math no glè mhath a bh’ ann.

Chaidh 95% den fheadhainn a fhreagair gu taighean‑bìdh, taighean‑seinnse is cafaidhean na sgìre, 89% dha na bùithtean agus 72% gu àiteachan inntinneach do luchd‑turais.

Chuir Am Mòd 300 tachartas fa leth air dòigh agus bha an iomaill agus deagh fhaireachdainn mun bhaile a’ còrdadh ri luchd‑tadhail. Chaidh an comharrachadh mar phrìomh rudan a chòrd ri daoine mu dheidhinn Mòd Loch Abar, a’ dearbhadh cho math ’s a bha an fhèis.

Tachraidh am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail, prìomh fhèis cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig, cultar, spòrs agus ealain ann an Glaschu san Dàmhair. Tha barrachd luchd‑labhairt Gàidhlig sa bhaile na àite sam bith eile seach Na h‑Eileanan Siar agus thuirt 91% san rannsachadh gun robh iad buailteach no glè bhuailteach a thighinn gu Mòd 2026.

Dh’èirich àireamh iarrtasan farpaisich cuideachd aig Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2025, an treas bliadhna ann an sreath a thachair a leithid, le 1,900 farpaiseach an sàs. Chaidh na ceudan cuachan, gill‑dùbhlain, sgiathan agus buinn a thoirt seachad tron t-seachdain dhan fheadhainn a bhuannaich, ’s iad a bha airidh air na duaisean.

Thuirt Peigi NicIllinnein, Àrd-oifigear a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: "’S e Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail an taisbeanadh cultarail Gàidhlig as motha san t-saoghail agus tha an aithisg seo na dhearbhadh air cho fìor chudromach ’s a tha e ann an Alba san latha an‑diugh. Tha a’ Ghàidhlig dlùth cheangailte ris an eaconamaidh agus ris a’ chultar againn agus tha sinn cho pròiseil sin a chomharrachadh. Thug Loch Abar tachartas air leth seachad aig an robh deagh bhuaidh air gnìomhachasan na sgìre agus air an fheadhainn a bha an làthair. Tha am Mòd air a bhith a’ dol bho neart gu neart anns na bliadhnaichean mu dheireadh agus tha fadachd oirnn togail air an obair mhòr seo ann an Glaschu am bliadhna."

Thuirt an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear, Ceit Fhoirbeis: “Tha am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail na chomharrachadh gun a leithid air cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig. Tha na h-àireamhan seo a’ sealltainn na buannachd eaconamaich is sòisealta nach beag a lìbhrigeas e do choimhearsnachdan. Tha £3.9 millean a bharrachd do Loch Abar – a thuilleadh air na h-obraichean agus a’ ghnìomhachas ris an do chùm am Mòd taic – na eisimpleir dhen luach a thig bho bhith a’ tasgadh airgead anns na cànain againn.

“Thug Achd nan Cànan Albannach againn inbhe oifigeil dhan Ghàidhlig air Latha Naomh Anndrais, agus bha spiorad an Achd ri fhaicinn ann an tachartas na bliadhna seo. Tha sinn a’ cumail taic ris a’ ghealltanas seo le £1.8 millean a bharrachd do dh’iomairtean Gàidhlig ann an dreachd a’ Bhuidseit againn airson 2026-27.”

Thuirt an Comhairliche Raymond Bremner, Ceannard Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd:

“B’ e tachartas air leth soirbheachail a bh’ ann am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2025 a sheall uair eile cho cudromach ’s a tha a’ Ghàidhlig dha eaconamaidh ar sgìre, a cheart cho math ri bhith a’ toirt misneachd cultarail dhaibhsan a tha fuireach anns A’ Ghàidhealtachd.

“Ged nach mair a’ Mhòd ach beagan a bharrachd air seachdain, fàgaidh na tachartasan dìleab mhòr a mhaireas bliadhnaichean. Trusaidh e airgead do ghnìomhachasan ionadail agus brosnachaidh e mòran dhaoine an cuid Ghàidhlig a leasachadh is a chleachdadh.

“Tha an luchd-eagrachaidh uile rim moladh airson an ùine a chosg iad tachartasan cho soirbheachail a thoirt gu buil, agus cuideachd coimhearsnachdan Loch Abar a thug seachad fàilte chridheil.”

Thuirt an Comhairle Drew Millar, Cathraiche Comataidh na Gàidhlig aig Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd: “Dhearbh Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail uair eile carson a tha cultar agus a’ Ghàidhlig cho prìseil, aig a bheil buannachdan eaconamach is sòisealta nach beag dhan sgìre againn.

“Tha Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd air a bhith pròiseil Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh fad bhliadhnaichean, agus chì sinn buaidh shoilleir ar cuid thaic tro shoirbheachas tachartasan leithid a’ Mhòd.”

Thuirt Rob Dickson, Ceannard a’ Ghnìomhachais is nan Tachartasan aig VisitScotland: “Tha Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail aig cridhe am farsaingeachd tachartasan is fèisean Albannaich, is tha e cho math buaidh làidir eaconamach agus sòisealta Mòd na bliadhna-sa fhaicinn.

“Bidh Am Mòd a’ sealltainn cho riatanach ’s a tha Gàidhlig do dh’aithne cultarail na h-Alba, ar cànan, ceòl agus traidiseanan agus e a’ brosnachadh ginealaichean ùra a dhol an sàs san dualchas aca. Tha soirbheachas an tachartas air a bhith cudromach do eaconamaidh turasachd na h-Alba, a trusadh daoine a Loch Abar agus ar tachartasan air leth.”

Thuirt Iain Robasdan, Cathraiche Comataidh Ionadail Mòd Loch Abar 2025: “Abair gu bheil toraidhean an rannsachadh eaconamach math dhan Ghearasdan agus sgìre Loch Abar. Tha an Comataidh Ionadail, agus ar luchd-taic saor-thoilich, air ar dòigh gun do chuir sinn ris an seo. Cho‑dhùin sinn tràth gum biodh prògram iomaill àrd-amasach againn anns am biodh rudeigin dhan h-uile duine, bha e cho math nuair a thànaig e gu buil. Dh’obraich na nithean ùr againn anns an teanta an lùib ceòl, biadh, bùird, cèilidhean agus ar suaichnean Fergie gus àrainneachd a’ Mhòid a thoirt beò. Sheall am baile agus na h-ionadan gun urrainn do Loch Abar tachartasan cultarail cudromach leithid Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a thoirt gu buil.

“Chaidh deagh bhuaidh eaconamach a thoirt air gnìomhachasan anns gach roinn. Thathar a bruidhinn air cho math ’s a bha cùisean seachdain a’ Mhòid fhathast. Tha sinn taingeil dhan Chomunn agus do choimhearsnachd Loch Abar airson cho soirbheachail ’s a bha an tachartais agus nì sinn fiughair gus an till Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail san àm ri teachd. Gun tèid gu math le Glaschu ann an 2026.”

Thuirt Duncan Makison, Ceannard Caledonian Mhic a’ Bhriuthainn: "Thòisich ar taic dhan Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail o chionn 30 bliadhna agus sinn gu math pròiseil aiste. Tha e a’ còrdadh rinn taic a chumail ris an tachartas cultair bhliadhnail Gàidhlig. Tha obair chudromach againn le còisirean is luchd-èisteachd a thoirt chun fhèis is an ceòl agus an seinn air tòiseachadh gu math tric air an aiseag.

“’S aithne dhuinn cho cudromach ’s a tha Am Mòd agus cultar na Gàidhlig an Alba is na h-eileanan, ’s tha an aithisg seo a’ foillseachadh na buannachdan eaconamach dha coimhearsnachdan ionadail agus a’ leasachadh ghnìomhachasan.

“Tha ar taic dhan Mhòd na dearbhadh air taic dha coimhearsnachdan na Gàidhlig is an cultar a tha ceangal na slighean againn.”

Fhuair Mòd Nàiseanta Loch Abar taic bho EventScotland, na phàirt de VisitScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, Riaghaltas na h-Alba, Caledonian Mac a’ Bhriuthainn, BBC ALBA, Alba Chruthachail agus SQA.

Tillidh Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a Ghlaschu ann an 2026, eadar 9mh is 17mh den Dàmhair. Tadhail air www.ancomunn.co.uk (external link).

Crìoch

Royal National Mòd generated £3.9 million economic boost for Lochaber
The world’s largest Scottish Gaelic festival, the Royal National Mòd 2025, generated an economic boost of £3.9 million to Lochaber, making it the most successful edition of the event in six years.

A report published today by experts at Tourism Resources Company on behalf of organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach, shows attendance figures surpassed 9,400 – up 4% on 2024 – as local businesses boomed and expenditure in the area climbed.

The nine days of cultural celebration and Gàidhlig and music competitions transformed Fort William into a thriving hotspot of Gaelic language from 10 - 18 October 2025, with 69 full-time equivalent jobs estimated to have been created from the event’s staging in the area.

The major event, which was recognised at the recent MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards for its community impact, was also hugely successful in promoting and supporting the use of Gaelic – now an official language of Scotland in law.

Of those surveyed for the report, 83% believed more strongly in the importance of Gaelic following the Mòd. A substantial 74% were inspired to attend Gaelic events more frequently, 71% were encouraged to improve their Gaelic language skills, and 70% now wanted to use Gaelic more often.

The event, which is an important annual gathering for Gaels and Gaelic supporters across Scotland and beyond, was also found to have important social benefits – 83% found it was a great way to meet friends, 80% felt encouraged to engage socially and 73% found the event improved their mental health.

2025 was the ninth time Lochaber has staged the prestigious 133-year-old event and the area proved to be a perfect destination once again. Fort William was highly rated among attendees, with 91% deeming it a very good or good host destination.

A total of 95% surveyed visited local restaurants, cafes and pubs, 89% headed to local shops and 72% enjoyed local visitor attractions and places of interest.

The Mòd staged 300 individual events and its thriving fringe events and buzzing atmosphere also impressed visitors. These were noted as stand-out aspects of the Lochaber Mòd, reflecting its undeniable festival feel.

Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, culture, sport and art will move to Glasgow this October. The city is home to the greatest concentration of Gaelic speakers outside of the Western Isles and 91% of those surveyed stated that they are very likely or likely to attend Mòd 2026.

The 2025 Royal National Mòd also saw competition entries rise for the third consecutive year, with 1,900 competitors taking part. Hundreds of cups, trophies, plates, shields, quaichs and medals were dished out to deserving winners across the week.

Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The Royal National Mòd is the world’s largest Scottish Gaelic cultural showcase and this report demonstrates its immense value and relevance in Scotland today. Scottish Gaelic is an important economic and cultural asset and we are incredibly proud to celebrate its unique culture and spirit. Lochaber delivered an exceptional event that had a hugely positive impact on local businesses and on those that attended. The Mòd has gone from strength to strength in recent years and we cannot wait to build on this success in Glasgow later this year.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: "The Royal National Mòd is a flagship celebration of Gaelic language and culture. These figures demonstrate the significant economic and social impact it delivers for communities. A £3.9 million boost to Lochaber, along with the jobs and business activity it supported, shows the value of investing in our languages.

“This year’s event reflected the spirit of our Scottish Languages Act which gave Gaelic official status on St Andrew’s Day. We are backing this commitment with an extra £1.8 million for Gaelic initiatives in our draft Budget for 2026-27.”

Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner said: “The 2025 Royal National Mòd was a fantastic success story which once again demonstrated Gaelic’s importance to the economic prosperity of our region, and for the cultural confidence of those who live in Highland.

“Although the Mòd lasts for just over a week, the events leave a hugely positive legacy that endures for years. It generates money for local business, and it inspires and encourages so many people to use and develop Gaelic skills.

“Huge congratulations are due to all the organisers who devoted so much time to putting on a brilliant week of events, and to the communities of Lochaber for being fantastic hosts.”

Chair of Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee, Cllr Drew Millar, said: “The Royal National Mòd has shown us once again why Gaelic and culture are such prized assets, which carry enormous social and economic benefits for our area.

“Highland Council has been proud to champion Gaelic for many years, and we can see a clear return on the investment and support for the language through the success of events like the Mòd.”

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Royal National Mòd is a key part of Scotland’s diverse portfolio of events and festivals, and it is wonderful to see the strong economic and social impact this year’s celebration has delivered.

“The Mòd continues to show how vital Gaelic is to Scotland’s cultural identity, honouring our language, music and traditions while inspiring new generations to celebrate their heritage. The success of the event has played an important role in helping drive Scotland’s visitor economy, attracting audiences to Lochaber and showcasing our world-class tourism and events offering.”

Iain Robertson, Chair of the Lochaber Mòd 2025 Local Committee, said: “The results from the economic survey are fantastic for Fort William and the wider Lochaber area. The local organising committee, along with our volunteers, are delighted to have contributed to the excellent results. We took the decision early in our planning to provide an ambitious fringe programme that had something for everyone and to see that come to fruition has been humbling. The new initiatives around the marquee with live music, catering, stalls, street ceilidhs and our mascot Fergie all served to create a festival atmosphere. The town and venues demonstrated that Lochaber can successfully hold nationally and culturally important events such as the Royal National Mòd.

“The impact on our local business community has been exceptional with all sectors benefiting. The buzz created around the area during Mòd week is still being talked about. We thank An Comunn and the local community of Lochaber for the success of the event and look forward to bringing the Royal National Mòd back to the area in the future. We wish Glasgow all the success for 2026.”

Duncan Mackison, CEO of CalMac, said: “CalMac has been a proud supporter of the Royal National Mòd for 30 years and we really enjoy being a part of this annual highlight of Gaelic culture. We play an important role, ensuring that choirs and guests travel to the festival, with the music and singing often beginning on the journey onboard the ferry.

“While we know how important the Mòd is to Gaelic culture in Scotland and the islands, this report highlights the economic benefits it also brings to local communities, providing a welcome boost to businesses.

“Our continued sponsorship of the Mòd is an ideal way to show our commitment to supporting Gaelic communities and the culture that connects so many of our routes.”

The Lochaber Mòd was supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Highland Council, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd returns to Glasgow in 2026, from 9 - 17 October.