(Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The biggest week of the year for Gaeliclanguage, music, and culture comes to a close in Glasgow today.
A mainstay of the Gàidhealtachd’s social calendar since 1892, the Royal National Mòd ran from October 9-17.
Read More: Royal National Mòd in Glasgow: Top 10 must-see events
The Glasgow Mòd 2026 will hit its closing note on Saturday morning with the spine-tingling Massed Choirs event, as hundreds of choristers gather around the Donald Dewar statue at the top of Buchanan Street.
The spot will fill with Gaelic song for a showstopping performance of unity, officially rounding out the historic event.
Here are some of the best pictures and highlights from this year's Mòd:
Tuesday saw the junior competition programme reach its climax with the fluent learner events at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. In the Solo Traditional Singing Girls and Boys 13-15 categories, 15-year-old Flora Scott from Sir E Scott School in Harris, collected both the Traditional Silver Pendant and the Ann Kelly MacDonald Memorial Trophy for the highest marks in traditional solo singing. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
As the world’s biggest celebration of Scottish Gaelic reaches a magnificent penultimate day in Glasgow, Gaeldom’s newest singing stars took their celebrations to new heights as they hopped aboard the Glasgow City Sightseeing Bus in the heart of Glasgow with their medals. The spirit of Gaelic culture and song triumphed at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow as vocalists celebrated their winning moments. In the Traditional Gold Medal final - the solo Gaelic singing contest, which invites participants to perform traditional songs that they have carefully selected for themselves – Iain Cormack from the Isle of Skye and Glasgow’s Anna MacGregor were victorious. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
TV personality and opening concert host Phil MacHugh and young performers say ‘fàilte’, ‘welcome’, to the Royal National Mòd as the world’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, music and culture gets set to take over the city for nine spectacular days. Around 10,000 competitors, performers and visitors are expected to soak up the scenes of celebration, camaraderie and creativity in the City of the Gaels – Baile Mòr nan Gàidheal – as the historic, multi-arts festival delivers a special Scottish cultural experience for all. An ambitious programme of almost 300 concerts, competitions, art exhibitions, sessions, film screenings, processions, literature events and sporting spectacles will run from Friday 9 – Saturday 16 October. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The silverwear was in demand in the Royal National Mòd’s Senior Piping events at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow. In the Mòd’s Senior Piping events, Callum Carn, who is from New Zealand and now living in Glasgow, lifted the Kenneth I Macrae Trophy in the B Grade March, Strathspey and Reel. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
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On the ball! ALBA FA founder Calum Ferguson has been named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year on the opening day of the Royal National Mòd. The Scottish Government award that recognises the outstanding contribution an individual has made to the Gaelic language. Calum has used Scotland’s national game to promote and strengthen Gaelic by creating new opportunities for people to speak, learn and use the language. Calum is pictured holding the Tosgaire na Gàihlig stained-glass plate at the home of Partick Thistle FC - Firhill Stadium. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The world-renowned Glasgow Royal Concert Hall set the celebratory tone for the start of the Royal National Mòd, dedicating the flagship Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl concert to marking four decades of Gaelic Medium Education in the city – an achievement credited with making Glasgow a major stronghold and home to one of the fastest-growing communities of Gaelic learners. Concertgoers were guided on a musical journey through the decades by hosts and cousins Phil MacHugh and Catrìona (Carrie) MacNeil, with performances from indie trad band DLÙ, amongst others, and a rousing orchestral score performed by pupils past and present. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Gaeldom’s young learners are celebrating after a successful day of award wins in the junior competition programme at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. In the Solo Traditional Mixed Singing Learners competition, 17-year-old Zoe Leparoux, from Uig on the Isle of Lewis took first place in the 16-18 category to win the Provost of Falkirk Medal. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Twice as nice! In the Royal National Mòd’s Duet Singing Open Mixed 13-18 competition, Katarina NicArtair and Sophie Stiùbhart from Dingwall Academy bagged first place, winning the Angus MacTavish Memorial Trophy and Gold Badge. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Gaeldom’s young learners are celebrating after a successful day of award wins in the junior competition programme at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. In the Solo Singing Open 16-18 at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow, Jenna Yule, from Cumbernauld won the girls event, taking the Gold Badge and Highland Society of London Trophy. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The best Gaelic singers in the world showcased gold standard performances as the Royal National Mòd held the illustrious Gold Medal competition at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Men’s gold medalist Mark Smith and women’s gold medalist Isabelle Bain shared the sheer beauty and power of Gaelic song at its very finest, each scoring the highest marks to fight off tough competition from the Gaeldom’s strongest vocal talent. The 134-year-old competition is famed for its prestige, with the two singers from Lewis – who were each making their debut in the competition – joining a long line of previous winners who are among the best-known and most highly regarded Gaelic singers in history. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The flagship adult learners’ solo singing competition – the Silver Pendant – was hosted at the Royal National Mòd, with Laura Gormley from Balfron and Euan Paterson of Port Appin each coming out on top. There were trophies galore bagged across the afternoon, with Euan lifting the stunning glass Alasdair MacInnes Memorial Trophy, while Laura took the Catherine Gemmell Memorial Trophy and the John A MacRae Quaich. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Winners at the Senior Literature prize-giving ceremony celebrated together at City of Glasgow College. Winner's included Rhiannon Ledwell (Aberdeen) winning the Donald John MacIver Memorial Prize for her Short Story (under 2000 words), Liam Alistair Crouse (South Uist) winning the Ailsa Quaich and Lewis & Harris Gold Medal for his three pieces of poetry, Ceitidh Chaimbeul (Inverness) winning both the Alan Forrester Trophy for the New Song compeition and the John Angus Macleod Quaich for the Flash Fiction competition, and Alistair Condie (Glasgow) who was awarded first prize in the New Podcast category, as well as Sophie Donald who gained second place in the Choral Arrangement. (Sophie Donald left, then the rest read second left to right) (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Curtain call: Pupils from Meadowburn Primary School in Bishopbriggs perform in the Drama Open Under 13 competition at the Royal National Mòd at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The best Gaelic singers in the world showcased gold standard performances as the Royal National Mòd held the illustrious Gold Medal competition at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Men’s gold medalist Mark Smith and women’s gold medalist Isabelle Bain shared the sheer beauty and power of Gaelic song at its very finest, each scoring the highest marks to fight off tough competition from the Gaeldom’s strongest vocal talent. The 134-year-old competition is famed for its prestige, with the two singers from Lewis – who were each making their debut in the competition – joining a long line of previous winners who are among the best-known and most highly regarded Gaelic singers in history. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The world-renowned Glasgow Royal Concert Hall set the celebratory tone for the start of the Royal National Mòd, dedicating the flagship Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl concert to marking four decades of Gaelic Medium Education in the city – an achievement credited with making Glasgow a major stronghold and home to one of the fastest-growing communities of Gaelic learners. Concertgoers were guided on a musical journey through the decades by hosts and cousins Phil MacHugh and Catrìona (Carrie) MacNeil, with performances from indie trad band DLÙ, amongst others, and a rousing orchestral score performed by pupils past and present. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Gaeldom’s young learners are celebrating after a successful day of award wins in the junior competition programme at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. 15-year-old Robbie Donald MacLean from Barra came out top in the 13-15 category, claiming the Donald Macleod Trophy for the second year in a row. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
An Drochaid (The Bridge) concert was a highlight of the Royal National Mòd's fringe programme on Tuesday evening. Led by the host city’s very own Mary Ann Kennedy, the event at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall brought together singers and musicians from six Glasgow Island Associations: Islay, Lewis & Harris, Mull & Iona, Uist & Barra, Skye and Tiree, for a rare musical gathering. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
It was Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil from Barra who received the Allan Thomas Mitchell Trophy, a recording session at a local studio and the John Robertson Memorial Artwork for their winning performance in the Battle of the Bands at The Royal National Mòd. (Image: Peter Sandground)
The silverwear was in demand in the Royal National Mòd’s Senior Piping events at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow. In the Mòd’s Senior Piping events, Glasgow-based Kyle Shead lifted the Sheelah J Nicol Memorial Trophy for the B Grade Pìobaireachd. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Royal National Mòd, Glasgow, 2026 The Family Ceilidh. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Gaeldom’s young learners are celebrating after a successful day of award wins in the junior competition programme at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. Lewis’ Aimee Macleod won the Gold Badge and Skelmorie and District Highland Association Quaich for her stunning rendition in the Solo Singing Open Mixed Under 19 competition. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Gaeldom’s young learners are celebrating after a successful day of award wins in the junior competition programme at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. Eighteen-year-old Cailean Jennett took first place in the Solo Singing, Open Boys 16–18 category, winning the Highland Society of London Trophy. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Curtain call: Pupils from Meadowburn Primary School in Bishopbriggs perform in the Drama Open Under 13 competition at the Royal National Mòd at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The world-renowned Glasgow Royal Concert Hall set the celebratory tone for the start of the Royal National Mòd, dedicating the flagship Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl concert to marking four decades of Gaelic Medium Education in the city – an achievement credited with making Glasgow a major stronghold and home to one of the fastest-growing communities of Gaelic learners. Concertgoers were guided on a musical journey through the decadesby hosts and cousins Phil MacHugh and Catrìona (Carrie) MacNeil, with performances from indie trad band DLÙ, amongst others, and a rousing orchestral score performed by pupils past and present. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Kenna Campbell Is presented with her award by Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic as four new Friends of the Mòd were unveiled at the Mòd, an honour that recognises outstanding community contributions to Gaelic. These included ‘adopted’ Glaswegian Kenna Campbell. Skye-born Gaelic singer, educator and mentor Kenna Campbell won the 1959 Royal National Mòd Gold Medal. Kenna helped establish Glasgow’s first Gaelic-medium primary school provision and has shaped generations of Gaelic singers (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The silverwear was in demand in the Royal National Mòd’s Senior Piping events at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow. In the Mòd’s Senior Piping events, Angus Macphee from Inverness took the Pìobaireachd in the Premier & A Grade. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The competition was strong in the choral categories at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. The U13 events saw young Mull singers come out on top. Sèisteil Bheag conducted by Riona J I Whyte, delivered a stirring performance of Iorram Ùigeach in the Choral Unison Learners U13 to win The Donald & Mamie MacPhail Trophy, along with The Darlington Society Silver Jubilee for the highest marks in Gaelic and The Morag Robb Memorial Trophy for the highest marks in music. The same talented group from Mull also enjoyed a double win in the Choral Puirt-à-Beul Learners Under 13, and were awarded with both The Macintyre Cup and the Olive Campbell MBE Trophy. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
An Drochaid (The Bridge) concert was a highlight of the Royal National Mòd's fringe programme on Tuesday evening. Led by the host city’s very own Mary Ann Kennedy, the event at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall brought together singers and musicians from six Glasgow Island Associations: Islay, Lewis & Harris, Mull & Iona, Uist & Barra, Skye and Tiree, for a rare musical gathering. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
For festivalgoers seeking contemplation and prayer, all were welcome at the Mòd Church Service, which took place on Sunday 11 October, at St Andrew’s Cathedral, the host city’s oldest church, with the event broadcast live on Radio nan Gàidheal. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Cèilidh with the Cormacks brought a busy opening Saturday of the Royal National Mòd to the perfect close. The stunning evening saw one of Gaeldom’s most accomplished musical families perform at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s New Auditorium. Arthur, and his children, Ruaridh, Eilidh and Iain Cormack, were joined by special guests Allan Henderson, Seonaidh MacIntyre, Murdo ‘Yogi’ Cameron, Emma MacLeod and Claire MacLeod. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Kirsteen Grant is presented with her award by Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic as four new Friends of the Mòd were unveiled at the Mòd, an honour that recognises outstanding community contributions to Gaelic. These included prominent singer, conductor, and arranger Kirsteen Grant. Having conducted Gaelic choirs for much of her life – including leading both the Stirling Gaelic Choir and Glasgow Islay Gaelic Choir to victory - she has also created more than 150 musical arrangements and served on An Comunn’s Mòd and Music Committee. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Sunday evening brought a second opportunity for reflection with a special edition of Celtic Praise, at Central Station under the iconic clock and featuring a specially assembled choir. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The world-renowned Glasgow Royal Concert Hall set the celebratory tone for the start of the Royal National Mòd, dedicating the flagship Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl concert to marking four decades of Gaelic Medium Education in the city – an achievement credited with making Glasgow a major stronghold and home to one of the fastest-growing communities of Gaelic learners. Concertgoers were guided on a musical journey through the decades by hosts and cousins Phil MacHugh and Catrìona (Carrie) MacNeil, with performances from indie trad band DLÙ, amongst others, and a rousing orchestral score performed by pupils past and present. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Many stand-out moments, the Solo Singing Learners Girls 13-15 event saw 15-year-old Libby Bezuidenhout from Oban deliver the winning performance of the prescribed song, Òran a’ Chlydesdale, clinching the James C. MacPhee Memorial Medal. She was also awarded the Jean Graham Memorial Trophy, with its distinctive silver quaver, for achieving the highest mark in music the Alexander Hamilton Trophy for gaining the highest mark in Gaelic. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Cèilidh with the Cormacks brought a busy opening Saturday of the Royal National Mòd to the perfect close. The stunning evening saw one of Gaeldom’s most accomplished musical families perform at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s New Auditorium. Arthur, and his children, Ruaridh, Eilidh and Iain Cormack, were joined by special guests Allan Henderson, Seonaidh MacIntyre, Murdo ‘Yogi’ Cameron, Emma MacLeod and Claire MacLeod. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
An Drochaid (The Bridge) concert was a highlight of the Royal National Mòd's fringe programme on Tuesday evening. Led by the host city’s very own Mary Ann Kennedy, the event at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall brought together singers and musicians from six Glasgow Island Associations: Islay, Lewis & Harris, Mull & Iona, Uist & Barra, Skye and Tiree, for a rare musical gathering. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Ladies Shinty at Glasgow Green. Glasgow Mid Argyll v Glasgow University. Winners Glasgow Mid Argyll pictured Kirsty Rodger (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Ladies Shinty at Glasgow Green. Glasgow Mid Argyll v Glasgow University. Winners Glasgow Mid Argyll (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Gaelic singer Josie Duncan and friends to sing the songs of the acclaimed Melbost Bàrd, Murdo Macfarlane, from the Isle of Lewis, who left us with a legacy of bàrdachd and Gaelic songs. Murdo was a staunch campaigner for the Gàidhlig language. (Image: Peter Sandground)
Mòd 2026 U6 Football at Glasgow Green (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Alba FA all-Gaelic team v Partick Thistle U19s The inaugural Johnny MacKenzie Cup at Petershill Park. The match was specially organised as a flagship event for the opening weekend of the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. The cup is named in honour of Partick Thistle legend Johnny MacKenzie—known as "The Firhill Flyer"—who is the only native Scottish Gaelic speaker to have played international football for Scotland. Thistle won 5-3. (Image: Elaine Livinstone)
Tuesday saw the junior competition programme reach its climax with the fluent learner events at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. It was a home win for Joe Thunder, aged 15, from Glasgow Gaelic High School who claimed the coveted Traditional Silver Kilt Pin. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Sunday evening brought a second opportunity for reflection with a special edition of Celtic Praise, at Central Station under the iconic clock and featuring a specially assembled choir. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Alba FA all-Gaelic team v Partick Thistle U19s Johnny MacKenzie’s family left to right: Andrew Mackenzie, Alasdair Mackinnon, Morag Scott, Kirsty Torrance, Iain Mackinnon The inaugural Johnny MacKenzie Cup at Petershill Park. The match was specially organised as a flagship event for the opening weekend of the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow. The cup is named in honour of Partick Thistle legend Johnny MacKenzie—known as "The Firhill Flyer"—who is the only native Scottish Gaelic speaker to have played international football for Scotland. Thistle won 5-3. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
The world-renowned Glasgow Royal Concert Hall set the celebratory tone for the start of the Royal National Mòd, dedicating the flagship Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl concert to marking four decades of Gaelic Medium Education in the city – an achievement credited with making Glasgow a major stronghold and home to one of the fastest-growing communities of Gaelic learners. Concertgoers were guided on a musical journey through the decades by hosts and cousins Phil MacHugh and Catrìona (Carrie) MacNeil, with performances from indie trad band DLÙ, amongst others, and a rousing orchestral score performed by pupils past and present. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Sunday evening brought a second opportunity for reflection with a special edition of Celtic Praise, at Central Station under the iconic clock and featuring a specially assembled choir. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
Curtain call: Pupils from Meadowburn Primary School in Bishopbriggs perform in the Drama Open Under 13 competition at the Royal National Mòd at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. (Image: Elaine Livingstone)
This year’s Royal National Mòd in Glasgow is supported by Glasgow Life, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Scottish Government, VisitScotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and Qualifications Scotland.