Congratulations to The Royal National Mòd who has been nominated in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025. Vote now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 6th December in Aberdeen Music Hall. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Peigi of The Royal National Mòd the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
The Royal National Mòd is Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, music, and culture. Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the Mòd has been at the heart of Gaelic community life since 1892, providing a national platform for people of all ages to take part in Gaelic music, song, drama, literature, and art.
Each year, the Mòd brings together thousands of participants and visitors from across Scotland and beyond, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere that celebrates both tradition and creativity. The event showcases the best of Gaelic culture while fostering a strong sense of community pride and cultural continuity.
Beyond the annual national event, local Mòds and year-round engagement projects help nurture young talent, support Gaelic learners, and sustain the traditional music and arts that are central to Scotland’s cultural heritage. The Mòd continues to evolve, ensuring that Gaelic traditions remain relevant, inclusive, and thriving in communities today.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Scottish music lies at the very heart of the Royal National Mòd and everything we do. We are involved in Scottish music because it is a living expression of our language, culture, and communities. Through song, instrumental music, and performance, we celebrate and sustain the Gaelic heritage that has shaped Scotland’s identity for generations.
The Mòd provides a vital platform for people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in and enjoy traditional music, from solo singers and choirs to pipers, fiddlers, and contemporary musicians inspired by Gaelic tradition. By supporting Scottish music, we help strengthen community ties, encourage intergenerational learning, and inspire new creative work rooted in tradition.
Our involvement is driven by a deep commitment to ensuring that Gaelic music and culture continue to flourish, not only on the national stage but in the everyday lives of people across Scotland and beyond.
Any particular career highlights?
The Royal National Mòd has a proud history spanning more than 130 years and has achieved many milestones that reflect its central role in promoting Gaelic culture and traditional Scottish music. Highlights include providing a national platform for talent and tradition, helping to launch and nurture the careers of countless traditional musicians, singers, and composers. The Mòd also delivers a lasting community impact, with each host location experiencing a major cultural and economic boost. Above all, we remain deeply committed to youth and education, inspiring generations of young people to learn and celebrate Gaelic songs, music, and traditions.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue growing the Royal National Mòd as a vibrant, inclusive celebration of Gaelic language, music, and culture, reaching new audiences while staying true to our roots. We aim to build on our strong foundation by expanding community engagement throughout the year, supporting local Mòds, and creating more opportunities for young people to develop their musical and linguistic talents. We are committed to fostering creativity, collaboration, and pride in Gaelic heritage, ensuring that the Royal National Mòd continues to inspire future generations for many years to come.
The Royal National Mòd Social Media
Website: https://ancomunn.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalNationalMod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royalnationalmod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AnComunnGaidhealach
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@royalnationalmod
The 2025 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 6th December 2025 in Aberdeen Music Hall! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here). Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night in the Granite City will also welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including beloved singer Hannah Rarity, UK folk legends The Poozies, trad pop band Mec Lir and BBC Radio scotland Young Traditional Musician and Scots Performer o the Year Ellie Beaton and many more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.