Hundreds of people lined the streets for a torchlit procession through Perth to mark the launch of the Royal National Mod.
Around 7,500 people are expected to descend on the Fair City to take in the competition, with some of the best Gaelic singers, musicians, dancers and writers across Scotland taking part.
The traditional torchlit procession marks the start of the nine-day event, which has returned to Perth after 18 years.
It is also the first time the Mod has returned to its usual format for the first time since the pandemic, following a reduced programme in Inverness last year.
Over the course of the nine-day festival, organised by An Comunn Gaidhealach, musicians and participants of all ages will compete for some of the Mod’s most coveted awards.
A fiery start to the 2022 Mod
The Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and Perth and District Pipe Band led the parade down the High Street under the rays of flaming torchlight.
Around 60 people carried a flaming torch as the procession went onto George Street before coming to a standstill outside Perth Concert Hall, where opening concert is now taking place.
Earlier in the evening, representatives, organisers and supporters gathered for a civic reception to celebrate the return of the beloved event.
John Urquhart from Skye was announced as the Gaelic Ambassador of the Year.
Perth & Kinross Council leader Grant Laing said: “We’re delighted to have the Royal National Mod return to Perth, to celebrate Gaelic culture in its many forms.
“We’ve been gearing up to welcome visitors from far and near to Perth and Perthshire and we hope everyone who is participating in the main competitions and the Fringe events will have a fantastic festival with us.”
Supporting the local economy
James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gaidhealach, said he hopes the event will provide a welcome boost for Perth’s thriving economy.
He said: “We are delighted to welcome faces old and new to the Royal National Mod in Perth.
“Gaelic has a storied history in Perthshire and so we are thrilled to be back in Perth for the first Mod in the city since 2004.
“The cultural and economic benefits of the Mod are far-reaching and over the next nine days we will look to further the international promotion of Gaelic and our host city of Perth, have a positive impact on the local tourism and hospitality industry, and importantly, raise spirits by providing an opportunity for Gaels and Gaelic supporters to meet again and renew friendships.”
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville and Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who is MSP for Perthshire North.
Taking to the stage, Ms Somerville said: “It is a real privilege to be here in Perth and to welcome you all this evening. I believe it is the 10th time the Mod has been in Perth… but of course it is also a welcome return to the first full-scale event.
“I would like to congratulate everyone on the continued hard work to promote the Gaelic language and culture in everyday life and community over this time. I would particularly like to congratulate and thank An Comunn Gaidhealach for everything they do to move forward this fantastic event.”
Opening concert line-up
To culminate the launch of the 2022 Mod, attendees gathered at Perth Concert Hall for the official opening concert.
Singer Mairi MacInnes, Arthur Cormack, Ceitlin Lilidh and Darren MacLean are on the bill, along with Gary Innes and Ewen Henderson, of popular folk-group Manran.
