One of the most prominent celebrations of the Gaelic language could be heading back to Argyll.
The Royal National Mòd is keen to make Oban its host town in 2023, having successfully staged the annual celebration of Gaelic language and culture in Dunoon last year.
Argyll and Bute Council’s policy and resources committee will debate the topic at its meeting on Thursday, along with the possibility of providing £120,000 from council funds to support the initiative.
The next four Mòds are due to be staged outwith the area, in Glasgow, Inverness, Perth and Paisley.
A report for the committee meeting, prepared by Pippa Milne, the authority’s executive director of development and infrastructure, states: “The council recognises the cultural and educational significance of supporting the development of the Gaelic language and the provision of local and national Mòds.
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“The Royal National Mòd (Mod) holds a very special place in the history of Argyll and Scottish culture. The value of holding a national Mòd in Argyll has long been recognised by Argyll and Bute Council through its previous support.
“Over the last six years the council has hosted two very successful Mods, the first being in Oban in 2015 and then in Dunoon in 2018.
“Both events proved highly successful and each provided a successful economic stimulus within the area and also greatly contributed to supporting our Gaelic language and culture.
“There are no other routes available for the council to support the Mod in Oban in 2023. It is therefore recommended that the budget of £120,000.00 be agreed.
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“It is currently recommended that this be spread over five annual payments however members may wish to consider a different breakdown.
“A new agreement will require to be drawn up and agreed with the Mod to secure the Mod in Oban in 2023 and the associated grant.”
The report adds that nearly 7,500 young people were found to have attended the Mod in Dunoon last year. Nearly half of the attendees visited with children.
It also states that bringing the event back to Argyll and Bute would ensure the sustainability of the Gaelic language, ensure extensive media coverage for the area, and generate “significant economic benefit”.
Ms Milne said: “It is recommended that members consider hosting the Mòd in Oban in 2023 and consider agreeing to enter into a new agreement with the Mod to provide the £120,000 financial support to the Mod broken down over a five-year period with the final payment in June 2023.
Members of the committee will also be asked to agree that the council work with Live Argyll, the charitable trust which runs the area’s leisure and library facilities, to secure the use of the Corran Halls in Oban for the 2023 Mòd at no cost to the event organisers.
