Large audience for National Mod events gets boost from royal visitor

TEENAGE musician Isabelle Bain was awarded a Gold Medal in the keyboard competition at this year's National Mod which is being held in Caithness.

The talented schoolgirl from Back School on the Isle of Lewis was one of many competitors taking part in a variety of events this weekend.

The week-long event, which celebrates Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, started on Saturday with a variety of competitions including Gaelic Music and Song, Highland Dancing, Instrumental, Drama, Sport and Literature.

Over the next week an extensive Mod Fringe programme will take place which includes performances from some of Scotland's leading Gaelic singers and musicians.

The Royal National Mod, which finishes next Saturday, is set to attract thousands of spectators to the Caithness towns of Wick and Thurso and this Thursday Prince Charles, the Duke of Rothesay is expected to pay a visit.

John Morrison, chief executive of The Highland Association (An Comunn Gidhealach) which organises the event, said the royal visitor would have the opportunity to meet some of the competitors, staff and local community.

The Duke will also view a selection of the finest local food and drink produce on show as part of 'Scotland's Year of Food and Drink', which is supported by EventScotland.

The first Mod took place in 1892, and received the royal charter in 1973. The National Mod has taken place every year with the exception of the war years last century.

The event is organised by An Comunn Gidhealach (The Highland Association), which was founded in Oban in 1891.

The Mod also represents an annual opportunity for Gaels and non-Gaels to gather together and renew old friendships as well as forging new ones.