SCOTLAND’S biggest Gaelic cultural festival kicked off with a torchlit procession last night as thousands prepare to compete.
The nine-day Royal National Mòd includes 200 contests in dance, song, sport, literature and drama in an annual celebration of the Gaelic language.
Returning to Oban for the first time in six years, the annual event opened with a procession from Station Square to the Corran Halls, where a gala concert was held featuring Donald Shaw and Karen Matheson, who formed Capercaillie in the town.
The evening also saw Professor Boyd Robertson, principal of Gaelic college Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year.
Recieving the award, Robertson, who once taught Gaelic at Oban High School, said: “I am honoured and humbled to be given this accolade by the Scottish Government and regard it not just as a personal award but as recognition of the work of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the innovative and iconic institution I am privileged to lead.
“It is a particular pleasure to receive the award in Oban where I spent the first ten years of my career in education.”
Language Minister Dr Alasdair Allan said Robertson is “synonymous with Gaelic education”, adding: “Given everything he has achieved, it’s hard to think of anyone more deserving of the title of Gaelic Ambassador.
“Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has gone from strength to strength since he became Principal in 2009. The Scottish Government wants to encourage more young people to follow the good example set by people like Professor Robertson who has greatly contributed to many facets of Gaelic education within Scotland.
“Our aim is to create a secure future for Gaelic in Scotland and while the last census showed an encouraging increase of young people speaking Gaelic between the ages of 3-19, this will only be achieved by an increase in the numbers of those learning, speaking and using the language.”
The festival also includes children’s events, pub nights, the Shinty Mòd Cup and meet-the-author sessions.
Paul Bush, director of events at VisitScotland, said: “The Royal National Mòd is an important celebration of the Gaelic language and its heritage and we are once again delighted to support the event.”
The National will feature continued coverage of the Mòd, publishing a run-down of winners every day. The first lists will run in Tuesday’s paper.
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