Image Credit: Elaine Livingstone

A modern outlook on an ancient culture

The annual Royal National Mòd is the premier celebration of Scotland’s unique Gaelic language and cultural heritage.

The internationally renowned festival of music, drama and the Gaelic Arts attracts audiences, participants and interest from around the world and is complemented by a comprehensive programme of multi-art fringe events featuring concerts, workshops, lectures, drama and film.

First staged in 1892, the Mòd is now held in a different region each year to spread its economic and cultural benefits throughout the nation. In 2023, it was held in Paisley, where organisers commissioned an independent economic impact study of the event.

£1,600,800

Total direct expenditure from visitors to the event

£2,293,700

Total direct expenditure including pre, post and organiser spend

27 jobs

Employment supported as a result of Type I multiplier impact

The impact study found the Mòd generated £1.65m of direct and indirect visitor expenditure in the Renfrewshire Council area, and that £557,000 was spent by organisers locally.

The 2023 Royal National Mòd had significant cultural impacts too, stimulating interest in Gaelic language, arts and culture, having a positive impact on mental health and creating high levels of recommendation among audiences and participants.