The Royal National Mòd 2025 generated a £3.9 million economic boost for Lochaber, making it the most successful edition of the festival in six years.
New analysis published by Tourism Resources Company on behalf of An Comunn Gàidhealach shows attendance exceeded 9,400, an increase of 4 per cent on 2024.
The nine day celebration of Gaelic language, music, and culture took place in Fort William from 10 to 18 October 2025 and is estimated to have supported 69 full time equivalent jobs.
Local businesses benefited strongly from the event, with visitor spending rising across accommodation, hospitality, retail, and visitor attractions throughout the Lochaber area.
The Royal National Mòd was also recognised for its community impact at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
The report highlights the festival’s role in strengthening the use and profile of Gaelic, which now holds official language status in Scotland.
Among those surveyed, 83 per cent said they believed more strongly in the importance of Gaelic after attending the Mòd.
A further 74 per cent said they were inspired to attend Gaelic events more often, while 71 per cent felt encouraged to improve their Gaelic language skills.
The social impact of the event was also significant, with 83 per cent saying it was a great way to meet friends and 73 per cent reporting improved mental health.
Lochaber hosted the Royal National Mòd for the ninth time in its 133 year history, with 91 per cent of attendees rating Fort William as a good or very good host destination.
During the festival, 95 per cent of visitors used local restaurants, cafes, or pubs, 89 per cent visited local shops, and 72 per cent explored nearby attractions.
The event featured 300 individual competitions and activities, alongside a busy fringe programme that helped create a strong festival atmosphere across the town.
Competition entries rose for the third consecutive year, with around 1,900 competitors taking part and hundreds of awards presented.
Peigi MacLennan, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said the report demonstrated the Mòd’s cultural and economic value in modern Scotland.
“The Royal National Mòd is the world’s largest Scottish Gaelic cultural showcase and this report demonstrates its immense value and relevance in Scotland today.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the figures showed the benefits of investing in Scotland’s languages and culture.
Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner said the event left a lasting legacy for the region, despite lasting little more than a week.
Chair of Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee Drew Millar said the Mòd once again showed Gaelic to be a prized social and economic asset.
VisitScotland said the festival played an important role in driving the visitor economy and showcasing Lochaber as a destination for major cultural events.
Iain Robertson, chair of the Lochaber Mòd 2025 local committee, said the results reflected years of planning, strong volunteer support, and an ambitious fringe programme.
CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said the festival delivers both cultural and economic benefits for communities across Scotland.
The Royal National Mòd moves to Glasgow in 2026, running from 9 to 17 October, with 91 per cent of those surveyed saying they are likely to attend.
