AN Comunn Gàidhealach (The Highland Association) has announced it is welcoming a new president.
Allan Campbell will be stepping down from the role after six years and Maggie Cunningham will take his place.
The association is responsible for the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic language.
Founded in Oban in 1891, An Comunn Gàidhealach is also responsible for organising the annual Royal National Mòd, the principal Gaelic language festival in Scotland.
Taking place every October in locations across Scotland, it sees people of all ages perform across a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music and song, highland dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature.
Originally from Scalpay and now residing in Plockton, Cunningham has been a board member of An Comunn Gàidhealach since 2021.
She previously served as chair of MG Alba, the Gaelic Media Service, and as joint head of programmes and services at BBC Scotland.
Campbell said: “Maggie is a well-known and greatly respected member of the Gaelic community and brings vast experience to the role from her broadcasting career and wider work as a Gaelic language campaigner.
"I am delighted to welcome Maggie as president and wish her every success and enjoyment in the role.
“From a personal point of view, it has been an absolute privilege to have served An Comunn Gàidhealach as president and I am confident that I am handing the role to someone who will further enhance the work of An Comunn and the Royal National Mòd. The organisation is now in a strong position to support the development of our wonderful language; music and culture in the years to come.”
Cunningham, speaking following the AGM of An Comunn Gàidhealach in Paisley, said: “[Allan Campbell] is leaving a strong legacy in ensuring that the Royal National Mòd is still Gaelic’s premier festival and as relevant today as it has been for the past 130 years.
“The role of president of An Comunn Gàidhealach will be both challenging and, hopefully, fulfilling. The supporting infrastructure is now in place, and we can help to move the re-emergence of our language, music and culture forward over the coming years.
“We will strive to fulfil the aspirations outlined in the National Gaelic Plan. I look forward to leading the team, who will shape An Comunn Gàidhealach in the years to come.”
This year’s Mòd will take place in Paisley from October 13 to 21.
