Royal National Mod schedule reorganised after coronavirus forces Highland event to be postponed
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Following its decision to postpone the Royal National Mod in Inverness until October next year, event organiser An Comunn Gaidhealach has released its upcoming schedule of host venues.
The annual event will now take place in Inverness from October 8-16, 2021, due to concerns about coronavirus ahead of the planned event this year.
It will then go to Perth (October 14-22, 2022), Paisley (October 13-21, 2023) and Oban (October 2024, with dates to be confirmed).
An Comunn Gaidhealach president Allan Campbell said: “This postponement of a National Mod for the first time – excluding the World War I and II years – was surely as difficult a decision as An Comunn directors have ever had to make.
"We made it with great sadness, but with a clear recognition that it was unavoidably the right thing to do.
"I wish to thank the leaders and officers of all the hosting councils for their understanding and support to us in agreeing the amended programme for these National Mods, and we look forward to events which will benefit their respective communities and our Gaelic language and culture.”
Highland councillor Alistair Mackinnon said: “Highland Council is fully aware of the importance of the flagship status of the Royal National Mod for Gaelic and the communities within which it is held each year.
"The council looks forward to welcoming it back to Inverness when government restrictions are lifted and we can all safely meet again and celebrate the Gaelic language and culture.”
An Comunn Gaidhealach chief executive James Graham acknowledged that circumstances would be a disappointment for competitors of all ages who will have put a great deal of time and energy into preparing for this year’s event.
“Recognising the work that will already have been done by competitors to prepare for the 2020 Royal National Mod we have decided to carry an unaltered syllabus of prescribed music forward to the 2021 event in Inverness," he said. "We believe this will be welcomed by all participants and we look forward to another enjoyable Mod in 2021, and equally successful events in the following years.
"We are also planning the production of an online celebration of Gaelic song and music in the near future to engage with our Mod and Gaelic community, but I must stress this will not be intended as a substitute Mod.
"We are excited to be exploring options, not just in response to a difficult situation, but in a way that will have a positive impact on the language and culture going forward. We will announce more details when our planning is complete.”
The Mod was last staged in Inverness in 2014.
