A FESTIVAL celebrating the Gaelic language has kicked off in style following a procession along a coastal village's seafront and an evening full of live music.
The Royal National Mòd is underway in Oban this year with nine days full of celebrations of the Gaelic language and traditional Scottish culture.
The Oban community came out in force to witness the light procession and followed it along the town’s seafront esplanade.
Multi-award-winning Scottish supergroup Mànran performed on the Friday evening to a packed Corran Halls, marking the beginning of the Mòd’s return to its historic home.
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There was also an awards evening where the Gaelic Learner of the Year was announced.
Harry Josephine Giles, originally from Orkney and now based in Leith, won the award for finishing top of their class in the immersion course CertHE Gàidhlig.
She studied the immersion course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture.
Saturday will also bring the start of the Junior Piping Competitions and Senior Piping events.
Along with the return of the beloved Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert which will see performers of all ages from all over Argyll showcasing their talents.
Maggie Cunningham, president of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said the atmosphere at the festival so far this year has been incredible, despite the wet weather.
She said: “The Mòd is officially underway now after last night’s stunning opening concert from Mànran, getting proceedings off to a very special start.
“Today, we dive straight into the heart of things with a highlight of the Mòd calendar – the piping competitions. We are saddened to have to postpone the shinty cups today due to bad weather but we hope to play these at a later date if possible.
“It's fantastic to bring the Mòd back here to its historic home in Oban – the atmosphere is incredible as we go into the second day of the event. Once the competitions are done for the day, we have a wonderful concert to look forward to, showcasing the very best musical talent from the local area and beyond, which is a must-see for locals and visitors alike.”
The Royal National Mòd runs in Oban until Saturday, October 19.
Tickets for the festival’s events can be found here with more information here.
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