Mòd Gaelic Business Event & Cruinn Còmhla Networking Lunch

As part of the Royal National Mòd 2025 in Fort William, the West Highland Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the Mòd Gaelic Business Event, combining our signature Cruinn Còmhla Networking Lunch with the Cruthachadh Chothroman Awards - celebrating the winners of the inaugural Cruthachadh Chothroman Gaelic Business Accelerator Programme.

This year’s event brings together business leaders, cultural voices, and emerging talent to explore how Gaelic values—community, identity, and resilience—can inspire modern business practice and regional growth, even where the language itself may not always be present.

Cruthachadh Chothroman Awards

We’re proud to host the presentation of the Cruthachadh Chothroman (Shaping Opportunities) Awards during this event. These awards will be presented to the winners from the Gaelic Business programme. This 6- module programme, which is being run by HIE and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, attracted 12 delegates from Gaelic businesses and projects across the country, each of whom will prepare a 2-minute business/project growth pitch for a panel of judges in September.

Three awards will be presented at the Mòd event:

• 1st Place - £3000 and 3 hours of legal advice
• 2nd Place - £1500
• Cohort Award - £500 (voted by the delegates themselves)

The winners will each speak briefly at the event, sharing their ideas and perspectives as part of the celebration - offering fresh insights from the next generation of Gaelic business leaders.

Date: Thursday 16 October 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Venue: Glen Nevis Restaurant, Fort William

Ticket Price: £16 (incl. VAT) for Members / £20 (incl. VAT) for Non-Members (includes soup, sandwiches & unlimited tea/coffee)

Speakers & Contributions:

• Torcuil Crichton MP, Member of Parliament for Na h-Eileanan an Iar - Reflecting on economic challenges and how Gaelic culture can help shape resilience and opportunity in our region.
• John Morrison, Chair of MG Alba - Exploring the findings of MG Alba’s recent EY report and the measurable economic impact of Gaelic in Scotland, with a focus on identity-led development and inclusive growth.
• Dougie Hunter, Mowi Sharing insights on Mowi’s presence in the region and the importance of cultural respect and local engagement in sustainable business.