Royal National Mòd gets underway 12/10/14
The Royal National Mòd is underway in Inverness, the first time the festival has been in the Highland capital for 17 years.
The event runs until Saturday and is expected to bring up to £2.5 million to the local economy as visitors and competitors travel from across Scotland, the UK, Canada, the USA and the United Arab Emirates for the event.
Over Friday, Saturday and Sunday there has been a procession through the city, Fringe events including the opening concert featuring Gaelic music stars Skipinnish.
The official opening was performed by Alastair Carmichael the Secretary of State for Scotland. Mr Carmichael, hails from Islay and has Point, Lewis, connections.
A brand new app has been giving visitors real time event listings and results, The
Mòd Cup Shinty Cup took place, the Fiddlers’ Rally concert on Saturday night saw
over 100 fiddle players, led by Bruce MacGregor, put on a phenomenal show and that’s
not forgetting the all-
The Mòd Shinty Cup was another highlight on Saturday as home team Inverness took on Boleskine in a fierce Shinty match at Bught Park. The Rt. Hon. Danny Alexander MP started the match by throwing the ball up to skippers Matthew Ross and Aaron McMaster. In the end Boleskine Camanachd Club triumphed and took home the trophy.
Over the next six days, over 3000 competitors are to compete in another 180 competitions in Highland Dancing, Gaelic Music and Song, Sport, Literature and Drama, for Gaelic speakers of all levels. The biggest Fringe in the Mòd’s 122 year history will be running alongside the competitions with over 70 events taking place.
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach said: “It’s been a wonderful start to The Mòd and Inverness has already proved itself to be a welcoming host.
“Some of the most coveted awards and events are still to come and we’re all eager
to see who takes away the Gold Medals on Thursday. I do hope non-