HOSTING the Royal National Mod last year brought a £2.5 million uplift to the Perth area’s economy, with 98% of spending taking place in the Fair City over the cultural festival’s nine days.
The 130-year-old event, which celebrates Gaelic language, music, and culture, featured a variety of competitions, performances, workshops and activities.
The 2022 event saw a 130% increase in in-person attendees since 2021 when some Covid-19 restrictions were still in place. It welcomed more than 7500 visitors and providing an economic uplift that helped support around 30 full-time equivalent jobs.
An Comunn Gaidhealach, which organises the Mod, said there is also evidence that the event will have a lasting legacy for the city of Perth and future Mods. Visitors rated the city and its host venues highly and it is estimated a further £1m could be spent there by Mod attendees returning in the future.
Some 95% of those surveyed also said they would be likely or highly likely to visit this year’s Mod in Paisley this October, An Comunn Gaidhealach president Allan Campbell said: “We are delighted that the 2022 Mod saw such an increase in attendees as we returned to a full-scale event.
“It is such a vital festival in the calendar of the Gaelic community and one that we know year on year has a massive cultural and economic impact on host towns and cities across Scotland.
“Perth was no different, with the Mod generating a sizeable economic boost to the city and surrounding areas, as well as stimulating interest in Gaelic language and culture.
“We are very much looking forward to this year’s 2023 event in Paisley. We hope to see a continued upward trajectory in participants and visitors as we head to Renfrewshire this October.”
VisitScotland director of events Paul Bush added: “From its torchlight parade opening accompanied by the pipes to the massed choirs closing proceedings, the Mod’s return to Perth was a huge success and the city provided the perfect stage for this celebration of Gaelic culture.
“To see a £2.5m boost to the area is a fantastic reflection of the economic benefits of events, in addition to their important role in communities coming together to enjoy and share memorable experiences.”
