Two extraordinarily rare posters from the earliest days of the Royal National Mòd have been restored more than 130 years after they first advertised the celebration of Gaelic language, music and culture.
The original posters from 1892 and 1893 are believed to be the only surviving promotional materials from the first years of the Mòd and will go on public display at the West Highland Museum in Fort William from 8 September.
Their delicate orange and blue designs provide a remarkable glimpse into the beginnings of an event which has grown into the world’s premier celebration of Gaelic culture.
Both posters were extremely fragile after surviving for more than a century, with tears, missing sections, creases, staining, discolouration and water damage threatening their future.
Paper conservator Helen Creasy of the Scottish Conservation Studio spent three months painstakingly restoring them, with the original script surviving despite the damage.
The conservation process included cleaning and washing the paper, relaxing it through humidification, flattening creases, repairing missing areas with toned paper pulp and carefully lining and pressing the finished posters.
The earliest dates from the first Royal National Mòd in 1892 and advertises Gaelic competitions including choral singing, solo singing and poetry.
Prizes ranged from 15 shillings to £8 for the leading singers, equivalent to around £123 and £1,300 today, while admission to watch the festivities cost just one shilling.
The 1893 poster records a programme featuring Gaelic choirs from across Scotland and a performance by celebrated Gaelic singer Jessie Maclachlan, who would perform internationally and for Queen Victoria.
The restoration was spearheaded by Gaelic broadcaster and musician Mary Ann Kennedy in partnership with An Comunn Gàidhealach and the West Highland Museum, with support from the Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust and public donations.
Mary Ann said:
“These posters are extraordinarily important markers in the history of the Gaels, and the Royal National Mòd, so it is significant to have had them restored so beautifully.
“They look absolutely fantastic and we can really imagine the designs having pride of place around Oban back in the 1890s, showcasing all that the Mòd had to offer.
“I first came across the billposters while preparing an exhibition for the Royal National Mòd in Oban in 2024.
“They were in such a poor, fragile state due to their age and I felt passionately that they should be restored and returned to public view.
“It will be a very special moment to see the posters hanging in the West Highland Museum for all to see.
“I would like to thank Bob for taking such good care of the items, the brilliant restoration team, and all those who donated in order to make the project possible.”
The posters had previously been cared for by Oban historian Bob McCulloch after being passed to him by the family of Mòd founder Dugald MacIsaac.
Guardianship will now pass to An Comunn Gàidhealach, with the West Highland Museum caring for the posters and Highland Council’s Lochaber Archive providing safe storage when they are not being exhibited.
Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said:
“These posters are precious pieces of the Mòd’s history and it is remarkable to see them brought back to life.
“Organisers then could never have known the incredible legacy that the event would go on to have, still bringing people together to appreciate Gaelic language, music and culture some 134 years later.
“These items are a wonderful reminder of where the Mòd’s journey began and we are very grateful to Mary Ann and all those involved in ensuring the preservation of these important artefacts.”
The restored originals will remain on display in Fort William before travelling to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for this year’s Royal National Mòd from 9 to 17 October, allowing another generation to stand in front of the same posters that helped begin the Mòd’s extraordinary story.
The Royal National Mòd returns to Glasgow this year, from 9 – 17 October 2026.
For more information and tickets visit www.ancomunn.co.uk
