The North Lanarkshire Mòd Committee has been recognised on the national stage after winning a prestigious Adult Learners’ Gaelic Award, celebrating their outstanding contribution to Gaelic learning, culture and community engagement.
The award, presented as part of Adult Learners’ Week Scotland by Scotland’s Learning Partnership, recognises groups who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to learning, creativity and community impact.
The North Lanarkshire Mòd Committee was recognised in the Gaelic category, highlighting the growing strength of Gaelic language and culture across the area.
Formed in early 2025, the committee is made up of adult Gaelic learners, parents, community members, members of Cumbernauld Gaelic Choir and local authority partners.
Many committee members were new both to Gaelic learning and to organising a Mòd, yet within a short space of time they successfully planned and delivered North Lanarkshire’s first-ever local Mòd, held in September 2025.
The Mòd brought together families, schools and communities from across North Lanarkshire and beyond. The event celebrated Gaelic song, music, poetry and culture, while also creating new opportunities for volunteering, skills development and community participation.
Committee members developed a wide range of transferable skills through their involvement, including event planning, fundraising, partnership working and volunteer coordination. Several members have also gained a qualification in Volunteering Skills, demonstrating how community learning can lead to formal recognition and personal development.
As well as strengthening Gaelic culture locally, the committee’s work has helped build confidence among adult learners, supported parents engaging with Gaelic Medium Education, and created new pathways for people to give back to their community.
Rachael Deans, Chairperson said: “Winning this award is incredibly meaningful for us. Many of us were learning as we went along, but we shared a passion for Gaelic and a belief that our community deserved its own Mòd. This recognition shows what’s possible when learners come together with commitment and support.”
Kirstin Thomson, Development officer and nominator added:“The North Lanarkshire Mòd Committee is a fantastic example of adult learning in action.
Catriona Henderson, NL Education Support Officer said: This award is a tremendous boost for the Gaelic community in North Lanarkshire. Establishing a North Lanarkshire Mòd provides learners of all ages—from early years to adulthood—with valuable opportunities to use the language beyond formal learning settings.
"It also contributes directly to the vision of the National Gaelic Plan by increasing the number of people learning, using, and supporting the Gaelic language.
Tha an duais seo na brosnachadh mòr don choimhearsnachd Ghàidhlig ann an Siorrachd Lannraig a Tuath. Tha a’ stèidheachadh a’ Mhòid ann an Siorrachd Lannraig a’ Tuath toirt cothroman do luchd‑ionnsachaidh de gach aois—bho tràth‑bhliadhnaichean gu luchd‑ionnsachaidh inbheach—theanga a chleachdadh ann an suidheachadh taobh a‑muigh an àrainneachd ionnsachaidh. Tha e cuideachd a’ cur gu dìreach ri na prìomh amasan ann am Plana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig le bhith ag àrdachadh an àireamh dhaoine a tha ag ionnsachadh, a’ cleachdadh agus a’ cur taic ris a’ Ghàidhlig.
Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in securing this award, which highlights the importance of grassroots, community‑led learning and the powerful role it plays in strengthening culture, connection and opportunity across Scotland.”