THE Royal National Mòd unveiled a new look yesterday as its 2019 logo was launched.

Schoolchildren from across Glasgow were on hand for the event, with the annual celebration of Gaelic culture, music and song set to hit the city two years from now.

The 2019 date will mark the first time the contest has been held in Scotland’s biggest city for almost three decades, and the logo has been designed to present its “modern and vibrant face”.

It is hoped that the revamp will help attract audiences from non-Gaelic-speaking backgrounds.

Donald Iain Brown, chair of Mòd Ghlaschu 2019, said: “When Glasgow won the bid to host the Mòd 2019, we knew then that we had to create a vibrant brand to take the festival forward and to present an inclusive and welcoming message for the people of Glasgow that Gaelic culture is here to be embraced by all, regardless if they speak Gaelic or not. Music and song performed in any language is a unifying experience and our intention as an organising committee is to engage as many people as possible and encourage the City of Glasgow to support and enjoy all that their cultural heritage has to offer.”

The 2019 festival will include categories for both children and adults in oral, singing and instrumental performance. Meanwhile, an “eclectic” Fringe programme will showcase some of Scotland’s finest musical talents in the run-up to and during Mòd week.

David McDonald, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow is home to the largest number of pupils in Gaelic-medium education outside the Highlands and Islands. Delivering the Royal National Mòd in two years’ time will further reinforce our events credentials and provide a high-profile platform for the sustainable growth of Gaelic in Glasgow.”