The National celebrates opening day of The Mòd 2025

The Mòd is an annual event that spotlights Scottish Gaelic literature, traditional music and culture, first founded by An Comunn Gàidhealach back in 1892.

This year’s festival runs from October 10 until October 18 in Lochaber. It features 200 competition categories, spanning music, poetry, art, dance and more, with more than 270 medals and trophies up for grabs.

Our front page features a design by Sona Design’s Caitlin Ferguson.

Ferguson said: "Most of what I create is driven by my Gàidhealach cultural identity. It’s important to me that I’m making Gaelic art for a few reasons – I want other Gaels to see it, like it, and connect with it, but I also want others to recognise it as something living and real.

“Gaelic isn’t a token or a relic – it’s a culture, a language, and a people that are still here, still creating.”

The nine-day event will also see cèilidhs, concerts, exhibitions, processions, book launches and food and drink tastings.

Highlights include Saturday’s Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl concert celebrating Lochaber talent including Mànran’s Ewen Henderson and celebrated Gaelic singer Rachel Walker, an evening of piping featuring Allan MacDonald and Angus Nicolson, and a Remembered in Exile concert with Màiri Morrison and Alasdair Roberts sharing songs and ballads from Nova Scotia.

Stewart Ward, managing editor of The National, said: "Our job as journalists is to make sure we're putting papers on newsstands that represent and champion Scotland's communities.

"Caitlin's design beautifully captures the essence of the Mòd and it's a privilege to have our masthead above it."

James Graham, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: "The National’s decision to feature a Gaelic front page on the opening day of the Royal National Mòd is a powerful statement of support for our language and culture

"The words, ‘Tìr gun teanga, tìr gun anam, A country without a language is a country without a soul’, are known by Gaels around the world and remind us all of the deep connection between language and identity.

“Diversity, and the unique way we relate to the world through our native tongue, should be cherished and championed. This striking artwork created by Gaelic artist Caitlin Ferguson beautifully captures the resilience and enduring significance of Gaelic in Scotland.

“As we gather in Lochaber to celebrate the Royal National Mòd, the largest Scottish Gaelic arts festival in the world, this is a visual celebration of shared heritage, and a symbol of pride and unity for all who cherish Scotland’s cultural diversity.”