Top Scots band “Skerryvore” were among the attractions at Mod 2007 in Fort William
Top Scots band “Skerryvore” were among the attractions at Mod 2007 in Fort William |
The Mod…… is organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Highland Association) which was founded in Oban in 1891 and which has HM The Queen as its Patron. The Royal National Mod is Scotland's premier festival celebrating its Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage and provides opportunities for people of all ages to perform across a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic Music and Song, Highland Dancing, Instrumental, Drama, Sport and Literature.
Although the focus of the Royal National Mod is on competition, the event also offers a wide and comprehensive programme of non-competitive “Fringe” events which regularly include performances from some of Scotland’s top traditional musicians and Gaelic singers.
 The Rt. Hon Charles Kennedy MP with Len Goucher and Guests at Mod 2007 |
Economic boost…… in addition to providing a national and international platform for promotion of the Gaelic language and culture, the Mod provides a major economic and cultural boost to the host area and also attracts considerable national and international publicity, raising the profile of the host location. The Mod also represents an annual opportunity for Gaels and non-Gaels to gather and renew old friendships as well as forging new ones.
Looking back at Mod 2007……... Members of the Royal Family regularly attend the Mod and Mod 2007 was delighted to welcome HRH The Earl of Wessex to Fort William….Mod 2007 also saw the presence of a large delegation from the Nova Scotia Provincial Government with the Honourable Len Goucher Minister for Tourism Culture and Heritage in Nova Scotia performing the Opening Ceremony…..The Freedom of Lochaber was bestowed on Chrissie MacEachen who has worked tirelessly for Gaelic in the area…..Mod 2007 was a huge success and saw the event win the award of Event of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. Thanks go to all involved with the local committee, the community, the participants and national organisers for their efforts.
Members of Falkirk Mod Committee at Fort William Mod 2007 |
Support essential…... the support of organisations such as Caledonian MacBrayne, The Royal Bank of Scotland, The Royal Mail Group, BBC Scotland and Black Bottle Whisky has helped to consolidate the status of the Royal National Mod as Scotland's main Gaelic cultural festival. The international dimension to the Royal National Mod continues to grow with the support of EventScotland and VisitScotland while the leading Gaelic language promotion and development organizations in Scotland including Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comunn na Gàidhlig, the Gaelic Books Council, Pròiseact nan Ealan and the Gaelic Media Service all offer considerable support.
Looking ahead……. With the support of Falkirk Council and the local committee, the Royal National Mod 2008 will take place in Falkirk from 10th to 18th October. A wide range of information on Mod 2008 is now available on www.mod2008falkirk.org or from the Royal National Mod office in Inverness (01463 709705) or info@the-mod.co.uk. Planning has also begun for Mod 2009 which in theYear of Homecoming will be held in Oban from 9th to 17th October. Looking even further ahead Mod 2010 will be held in Caithness from the 8th to 16th October.
