Getting into the swing of Mod 2016

The Royal National Mod which is the premier Festival of Gaelic language and culture will again be held in the Western Isles between the 14th and the 22nd of October.

A full list of upcoming fundraising events in the lead up to the October event has now been released. This will be the sixth time the Mod has been held in the Islands with Mods taking place in 1979, 1989, 2001, 2005 and 2011.

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.”

Events schedule

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