A mod is a festival of Scottish Gaelic song, arts and culture. Historically, the Gaelic word mòd refers to any kind of assembly. There are both local mods, and an annual national mod, Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail, held most years since 1892, and usually just called The Mod.

The Mod largely takes the form of formal competitions. Choral events (in Gaelic, both solo and choirs), and traditional music including fiddle, bagpipe and folk groups dominate. Spoken word events include children and adult's poetry reading, storytelling and Bible reading, and categories such as Ancient Folk Tale or Humorous Monologue. Children can also present an original drama, and there are competitions in written literature. To participants, the Mod is also an opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones.

Culturally, the Mod is comparable to the Welsh Eisteddfod.

The Mod is held each October. Recent and future locations include Oban (2003) – the 100th Royal National Mod, Aberfeldy (2004), Isle Of Lewis (2005), Dunoon (2006).

To participants, the Mod is also an opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones. Where possible, late opening of bars is arranged; the Mod is popularly known (at least by the press – e.g. News story) as the Whisky Olympics. (There appears to have been a Whisky Olympics in Helsinki in 1997, which was a competition for whisky makers.)

External links

• Royal National Mod
• Picture