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.
READ MORE: What you need to know about the Brexit anniversary rallies
“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.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here