The Mod: Simon MacDonald impressed the judges at the 2009 Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (Royal National Mod)
Gaelic festival The Royal National Mod (Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail) is to be staged in Caithness for the first time in its 118 year history.
The nine-day event, which offers a diverse blend of music, dance, drama arts and literature, runs from Friday October 8 until Saturday October 16, and is set to attract thousands of visitors from all over to Caithness, Thurso and Wick.
Many performers will also be making the journey to perform at the competition-based festival, from places as far flung as Canada, the USA and Australia.
John Morrison, the chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach - the oldest and one of the most respected Gaelic organization – said: “The Mòd is a much loved festival both in Scotland and internationally and this year we are delighted to bring the Mod to Caithness for the first time in the event’s history.
“The local organising committee has been incredibly busy over the past few years preparing for the event and special thanks must go to them for all their hard work to make the 2010 Royal Mod a success.
“This year we hope to attract large numbers of spectators to enjoy the celebrations as well as some of the most beautiful scenery Scotland has to offer.”
The festival will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on October 8 followed by a traditional ceilidh, and the competitive part of the event will begin on Monday October 11.
Those of all ages will then get the chance to compete in their specialist areas, before the whole festival comes to a close when the Massed Choirs parade through Thurso town centre, led by local pipe bands.
The Mod, which was held in Oban last year, drew in more than 8,500 visitors and organisers hope that this year’s festival will be just as good, if not better.
Full details on the festival and the programme can be found from www.acgmod.org.
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