Mod Information Available Now In Homeaid Store

8th March 2010

Local support continues with the HomeAid outlet in Thurso making space available for a Mod Information point.

The information point, which will be staffed by volunteers from the local organising committee, will be open 6 days per week from 10.30am to 4.30pm and will have merchandise on sale as well as providing leaflets and general information on Mod activities throughout the year.

Carol-Anne Mackay, Events Support Officer said "This is a terrific opportunity to inform everyone about the events that will take place in the run up to the National Mod in October. We hope that this will allow us to keep everyone informed of the exciting events that are being organised."

Raymond Bremner, Convenor of the Local Organising Committee added "We have been extremely pleased at the number of volunteers that have come forward and if anyone thinks they can offer help to man the information point or to help out in other ways we'd be pleased to hear from them."

"An information point is essential in making sure everyone is informed of the events being organised and general information on the National Mod. We are extremely grateful to HomeAid staff in helping to make this happen."

HomeAid General manager, Michele Whibley, said "HomeAid was set up to help and support our community. By hosting the National Mod in Caithness there will be undoubted benefits to the area and because of this we had no hesitation in agreeing to provide space for the local organising committee to promote the Mod. We are very pleased that we have been able to help."

The Royal National Mod takes place every year in October. The first Mod was held in Oban in 1892.

The Royal National Mod is organised by An Comunn Gaidhealach (The Highland Association) founded in 1891. The festival celebrates Scotland's Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage and provides opportunities for people of all ages to take part in a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music and song, highland dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature. See www.acgmod.org

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Royal National Mod is responsible for raising funds and for co-ordinating activities in order to host the Royal National Mod in Caithness in 2010.

It is estimated that over 8,000 people will visit Caithness to take part in the Mod with an estimated economic benefit of £1.5M.

This project is being part funded by The Scottish Government and the European Community Highland Leader 2007-2013 programme. In addition support has been provided by The Royal National Mod, Bord Na Gaidhlig, The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Dounreay Communities Fund, North Highlands Initiative, Caithness Chamber of Commerce, Caledonian Mac a'Bhriuthainn and The Royal Bank of Scotland.

"Mod Ghallaibh" is Gaelic for "Caithness Mod"

For further information visit the website: www.CaithnessMod2010.co.uk