Perth is sending out a huge fàilte air ais (welcome back) as the Royal National Mòd returns to the city today, Friday October 14 for the first time in 18 years.
Running until October 22, more than 50 shows and activities involving around 1500 musicians and participants will fill over 10 venues across Perth during the nine days. Local pubs are also embracing the Mòd’s arrival.
A spectacular torchlight procession along Tay Street will brighten the centre at 6.30pm to mark the opening of the world-renowned festival which celebrates all things Gaelic.
Marching under the flickering light of around 60 flaming torches, the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and Perth and District Pipe Band will lead the procession down Perth High Street.
Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, is a celebration of the Gaelic language, music and culture, promoting its relevance and value in modern Scotland through a varied programme of competitions, concerts and fringe events.
The Royal National Mòd welcomes fluent Gaelic speakers and Gaelic learners alike, as well as newcomers who wish to learn more about the festival and join in with the celebrations.
Having grown significantly over the past 130 years, the Mòd now boasts over 200 competitions ranging from traditional instruments like accordion, fiddle and piping, to solo Gaelic singing, storytelling, poetry, sport, literature, film and choir competitions.
As part of fringe events, the Caledonian Bar at 235-237 High Street has programmed live music every day, beginning tonight (Friday, October 14) with a shindig involving the Loch Dubh Ceilidh Band.
Landlords Laura and David Barnett, believe hosting the Mòd in Perth can provide a great boost for city centre businesses.
Laura said: “The Mòd is a great thing for the city. We expect a surge in accommodation booked, footfall for the shops and restaurants and generally a much-needed boost for all.”
Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing said: “The Mòd is a social occasion that will benefit our city. People come as much to meet as to compete.
“It won’t be till afterwards that we see how the Mòd has benefitted our hotels, restaurants and cafes but there is an air of excitement - with our city at the centre.”
Cllr Laing told the PA he is overjoyed that the gathering is converging on Perth with an estimated 7500 visitors from all over the country anticipating a warm welcome and great hospitality in the Fair City.
He joked that the Royal National Mòd is also known as the ‘Whisky Olympics’ and that the licensing department had been kept busy with requests for extensions to the hours Perth hostelries could open during the week ahead.
The PKC leader said he’s looking forward to attending arts events but, most of all, the Gaelic sport is making him light up.
“I’m excited to see shinty being played on the North Inch,” he continued.
“I’ve never seen shinty played live before and on Saturday, there is a ladies’ match at 11.30am and a men’s match being played at 1.30pm.
“I’ve asked if I can present the prizes as I’m very curious to see the matches.””
