Mod nan Eilean Siar

The local committee for Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2016 has established a detailed plan of upcoming events in the lead up to October, when thousands of Mod goers will descend upon the Western Isles.

The Royal National Mod which is the premier Festival of Gaelic language and culture will again be held in the Western Isles in October 2016.

This will be the sixth time that the Mod will have been held in the Islands with Mods taking place in 1979, 1989, 2001, 2005 and 2011.

Local committee in full swing for Mod nan Eilean Siar

9 May 2016

The last Mod to be held in the Western Isles, in 2011, attracted approximately 2,800 visitors and a further 2,500 residents attended competitions and concerts.

A significant number of locals also attended fringe events in local hotels with soloists, musicians and choirs all participating.

Convener of the local committee, Norman A MacDonald, said: “It is highly appropriate that the Mod should return to the Western Isles as the whole ethos and thrust of the Mod is to showcase and celebrate our rich language and culture. Gaelic is still the community language of the Islands and Mod attendees are assured of a genuine Hebridean welcome in Stornoway this year.”

The Western Isles and Stornoway, where the majority of the Mod will take place, is well placed to cater for the needs of the Mod in terms of facilities, venues, accommodation, services and ease of travel from the mainland.

The week-long festival begins on the Friday with a business lunch in the afternoon and the opening ceremony in the evening. The programme of competitions for people of all ages begins the following day, Saturday. The competitions cover a wide range of disciplines including Gaelic music and song, Highland Dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature. The Fiddlers Rally is the highlight of the Saturday evening.

The local Mòd committee hope that local communities will support the upcoming events taking places across the islands in the lead up to the Mod. The planned schedule of events is:

Saturday 21 May – Bingo Night in Clan MacQuarrie Hall 7:30pm
Friday 27 May - Cèilidh Dance in Leacklea, Harris 7:30pm

Saturday 4 June – Soup & Pudding in Breasclete Hall 12pm - 2pm

Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 June – Summer Hamper in Western Isles Hospital 10am - 5pm

Saturday 18 June - Auction and Cèilidh in Caladh Inn 7:30pm

Friday 24th June – Tatties and Herring – Uig Community Centre – 7:30pm

Friday 1 July – Soup & Pudding in Newton Centre 12pm – 2pm

Saturday 9 July – Bag pack, Raffle & Live Music in Co-op Stornoway 10am - 5pm

Friday 26 August – Soup & Pudding in Newton Centre 12pm – 2pm

Saturday 3 September – Soup & Pudding in Clan MacQuarrie Hall 12pm – 2pm
Saturday 10 September – 5k Event in Castle Grounds 10am