Paisley has been named as the official host town for the Royal National Mod 2013, one of Scotland’s biggest music festivals. It is the first time the town will have hosted the event after previously losing out to Stornoway in the 2008 race. The Western Isles capital will host the event in 2011, while this year’s Mod will take place in Caithness in October. Today’s announcement follows an ambitious bid submitted by Meur Phàislig, in partnership with Renfrewshire Council. Council leader Derek Mackay said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Paisley and Renfrewshire as a whole. “The Mod is a huge, much loved festival which will bring the focus of Scotland and Gaelic music lovers across the world on our historic town.” The eight-day festival is famous for celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, including Gaelic music and song, Highland dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature. Congratulating Meur Phàislig and Renfrewshire Council on successfully bidding to host the 2013 Mod, Convener of the 2008 Falkirk Mod said: "I am delighted that Paisley has secured the Mod in 2013. The local organising committee have their work cut out over the next 5 years in fundraising and promotion however I am sure the final result will prove to be a resounding success. The Falkirk Mod proved to be both a financial and cultural success, with in excess of £1.5 million injected into the local economy and an increased awarenesss locally of traditional Scottish culture. The creation of a local Falkirk Gaelic Forum followed swiflty after the 2008 Mod, and is activley lobbying for increase Gaelic provision and improved cultural access in Falkirk District, which would not have been possible if the Mod had not come to Falkirk. "We will be happy to assist the local organising committee in any way we can, and look forward to the Mod returning to the Central belt in five years time. Suas leis a' Gaidhlig agus Suas leis Alba."

TV presenter, Gaelic journalist and award-winning Gaelic singer Joy Dunlop, today announced she will be launching her exciting debut album Dùsgadh (Awakening) next month. The launch event, which will feature a live performance from the glamorous Gael, will take place at February’s “Ceol’s Craic” event at Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts, on Saturday 27th February 2010. The sensational new album, co-produced with Barry Reid (of Celtic bands Treacherous Orchestra and Croft No 5) will be released on Joy’s own record label Sradag Music. The tracks on the album reflect Joy's experience, passion and inspiration as a young Gaelic singer living and working in the West Coast of Scotland. The tall ‘girl next door’ combines her many years of exposure to Scotland's rich Gaelic heritage with a young, trendy, modern image.

Young Scots seeking to improve their skills in traditional music or dance may get the opportunity to be mentored by a master exponent of the art. That is one of the recommendations of the Traditional Arts Working Group report, published today (Sunday), that explores the cultural legacy of Scotland's past as reflected in traditional art forms. A wide range of Scotland's traditional arts were represented on the working group, including song, dance, music, storytelling, poetry and drama. The report's recommendations to help preserve Scotland's traditional arts have been welcomed by Culture Minister, Fiona Hyslop.

BBC Alba is playing an important role in Scotland's broadcasting landscape and should be available on Freeview, according to the Minister for Gaelic. Responding to the BBC Trust's consultation on its review of the Gaelic channel, Fiona Hyslop has sent a clear message of support for BBC Alba. As the channel's principal funder, the Scottish Government's response says it is satisfied with the performance of the channel and is strongly in favour of it being made more widely available. With BBC Alba currently only available via satellite services, Ms Hyslop wants urgent action to be taken to extend availability to both cable and Freeview. The BBC Trust's review will decide whether or not the channel should be made available on Freeview.

Scotland's new Cabinet Secretary for Education has set out his vision for how Scotland can create a new generation of Gaelic speakers. Delivering the annual Sabhal Mòr Ostaig lecture at the Gaelic college in Sleat, Skye he said that a focus on early years, school, adult and community learning will be vital in halting the decline in the number of people speaking the language. The Cabinet Secretary added that we must work together to ensure delivery structures in these areas are operating effectively. To support this Mr Russell has committed £50,000 for MG Alba, working with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, to provide a new website providing extra resources and support for Gaelic learners. The Cabinet Secretary also welcomed the Scottish Funding Council's announcement of a new research partnership - Soillse - which will make a significant contribution to the revitalisation of Gaelic in Scotland.

Provost of Falkirk Pat Reid recently attended the Royal National Mod in Oban to present the Provost of Falkirk Award to a deserving youngster who has made a contribution to the Gaelic language over the past year. Provost Reid was joined by Councillor Angus MacDonald, Convener of last year's successful Royal National Mod which was held in Falkirk. The creation of the Provost of Falkirk Award was announced by Provost Pat Reid at the Falkirk Mod last year and will be an annual award presented to a youngster who has made a significant contribution to Gaelic over the year. The winner of this year's award was Katy McAdam from Comunn Gàidhealach Mhuille on the Isle of Mull.

Culture Minister Mike Russell has announced £50,000 funding for Gaelic. Mr Russell said that he was awarding £35,000 to appoint a Gaelic development officer to take forward plans for the 2010 Mod in Caithness and to support Gaelic learning in the area.

BBC ALBA is delighted to announce that for the second year running, it will be broadcasting daily programmes live from The Royal National Mod. The Mod, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, is the Gaelic community’s most prestigious celebration of arts, music, culture and language and this year’s festival takes place in Oban, the hometown of the first ever Mod back in 1892. BBC Gàidhlig will be producing a premier package of live hour-long programmes covering the daily highlights throughout the festival from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October.

The Scottish and UK Governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Brussels today taking the use of Gaelic in the EU institutions a step closer. From now on Scottish Gaelic speakers can write directly to EU bodies in their mother tongue if they wish and receive a reply in that language.

The Falkirk Branch of An Comunn Gàidhealach last week presented Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir with a cheque for £750 to assist with their fundraising efforts in the run-up to this year's Royal National Mod. The cheque, presented to choir member Katie Whitfield by Provost Pat Reid, treasurer of the local An Comunn Gàidhealach branch, will help the junior choir purchase the Falkirk District tartan for all the choir members.

Govan Gaelic Choir's conductor is retiring at the end of this year and they are seeking a replacement. If you are interested contact Mairi MacKenzie on 0141 886 2953.

SNP Councillor Angus MacDonald, Convener of last year’s successful Royal National Mod Organising Committee in Falkirk has commented on remarks made yesterday by Labour’s Depute Finance Spokesperson David Whitton MSP, on BBC Good Morning Scotland where he opposed the funding proposed for the Gaelic language in the Scottish Government's draft budget, announced this week. The Scottish Government announced an extra £4 million for Gaelic development as an initiative that prioritises the creation of a new generation of Gaelic speakers and promotes the use of Gaelic through education, the arts and in Scottish public life generally. The new initiative will ensure that the funding for Gaelic is used effectively to create a secure future for the language.

Would you consider supporting the 2011 Mod in the sum of £1.15 a week by subscribing to a 400 Club, the 400 referring to the prize money awarded each month? Read more at our news section ...

Following the continued interest after the National Mod was held in Falkirk in 2008 the Falkirk & District Gaelic Forum was formed in January 2009. The Objectives of the Forum are to promote the Gaelic language and culture in Falkirk District by staging cultural and educational events, attract Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers to events and raise awareness of Gaelic, assist other local groups in promoting Gaelic language and culture, and to act as a pressure group to ensure progress towards the provision of Gaelic medium education in Falkirk district. For further information e-mail; falkirk_dis_gaelicforum@hotmail.co.uk

Big in Falkirk, Scotland's National Street Arts festival, celebrates its 10th birthday this year with an exciting line up, including world premieres and the return of some much loved acts which have gone down a storm since the festival's inception in 2000. The Free event, which attracts up to 100,000 visitors, takes place at Falkirk's Callendar Park on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2009. People of all ages and tastes will enjoy a diverse mix of live music, outdoor theatre, dance, visual art and pyrotechnics. 2009 highlights include: In the year of Homecoming, this year's event celebrates another milestone birthday, Robert Burns' 250th and to celebrate, Sunday will feature a world premiere of iconic images, rousing music, pyrotechnics and visual delights in a spectacular finale entitled: ‘Burns is Back!' Specially commissioned and produced by Big in Falkirk. Designed by Graeme Gilmour (Sticky; Full Circle; Shock Headed Peter); Lit by Phil Supple (Sticky, Full Circle, NVA's Half Life); Pyro by The World Famous (Sticky, Full Circle and Big in Falkirk finale shows); Directed by Neil Butler. This is the same team that created and delivered the critically acclaimed finale to the 2009 launch of Homecoming and is not to be missed. Big in Falkirk has a strong history of discovering acts just as they are about to break through with Amy MacDonald, McFly, Snow Patrol and Sandi Thom having graced the music stage in previous years. Headliners for this year are Capercaillie and Stereo MCs. Capercaillie have been responsible for bringing Celtic music to the world stage and singer Karen Matheson's exquisite voice has made her one of the finest Gaelic singers alive. The band fuses Gaelic music with contemporary and has sold millions of albums worldwide.

YOUNG pipers, fiddlers and anyone with an interest in Gaelic language and song are being invited to take part in this year’s Stirling Provincial Mod. The annual festival of Gaelic culture offers competitions in chanter, piping, fiddle, recitation and singing and takes place on May 15 and 16 - but entries close on March 31.

The Royal National Mod have updated their old website and the new site can now be found at www.acgmod.org - this is a joint site for both An Comunn and The Royal National Mòd.

Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Michael Russell today announced the appointment of Arthur Cormack as Chair of the national development agency for Gaelic, Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Tobar an Dualchais hopes to create a website that will make available sound recordings from the collections of BBC Alba, the School of Scottish Studies and the National Trust for Scotland. Cataloguers are required to listen to the recordings, obtain information from them and write summaries.

At a well attended public meeting held on Thursday 12 February 2009 in the Council Chamber, Stornoway, a local Mod Committee was elected to co-ordinate and organise Mod nan Eilean Siar 2011 which is coming back to the Western Isles for a fifth time. Convener, Alex Macdonald of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, was elected Convener of Mod nan Eilean Siar 2011 and his two vice Conveners will be Annabel Bain and Amy MacAulay.

The Gaelic development agency Bòrd na Gàidhlig today (Wednesday, February 4, 2009) launched a major new information and networking site, mygaelic.com, which aims to be the place to visit for everyone who wants to learn more about Gaelic – Gaelic language and culture, tourism, events relating to Gaelic and, how and where they can engage with the language. mygaelic.com is aimed at Gaelic speakers and novices alike, offering something for everyone with an interest in wishing to learn more about the language or indeed learning to speak Gaelic. The website was launched in Glasgow by Minister for Gaelic Linda Fabiani, where representatives of various Gaelic organisations were invited to view the innovative new communication channel.

A new group dedicated to the promotion of Gaelic in the Falkirk area has been formed. The Falkirk & District Gaelic Forum was launched at an inaugural meeting in Falkirk Council's Municipal Chambers on Tuesday 20th January The Forum will operate as a steering group, with the objective of increasing awareness of Gaelic and promoting the Gaelic language, music and culture throughout Falkirk District. The Forum will work in conjunction with other local and national agencies in promoting all aspects of Highland culture, and will also source funds from national bodies such as Bòrd na Gàidhlig to help fund a nuumber of cultural initiatives including Gaelic language classes and traditional music events in the area.

The Ochtertyre Song Weekends Feb. 21—22; March 7—8 & 21—22. ‘Bridging tradition’ Scots and Gaelic song master-classes.

The Scottish Parliament today approved the SNP Government’s draft Gaelic plan which aims to further promote and develop the language. The plan received universal support from all parties in the chamber and has been warmly welcomed by Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan. Measures proposed include a move to a bilingual corporate identity; the recruitment of further Gaelic officers to monitor and implement the Plan; making Gaelic language training available for staff; accepting and welcoming the completion of forms in Gaelic; making provision for holding public meetings in Gaelic where a demand is demonstrated; building capacity for translation services; and encouraging correspondence with the Government in Gaelic.

THE 2008 Mod Gold Medallist is Lyle Kennedy from Bonnybridge. He picked up the top award in the 105th event shortly before noon today (Thursday) following the competition in Falkirk Town Hall. Lyle (43), a member of Stirling Gaelic Choir, is the first male singer from the area ever to win the coveted prize.

Margaret Stewart from Lewis has won the Gaelic Singer of the Year award at the final of the Scots Traditional Music Awards held in Glasgow on Saturday night. About 450 people packed into the Old Fruitmarket concert hall in the city centre for the event. Margaret Stewart is a native Gaelic singer from Coll, Lewis. She is a former national Mod Gold Medal winner and her latest album, her first solo work, Togaidh mi mo Sheòlta has been released recently. Runners up were Gillebride Macmillan from South Uist, Maeve Mackinnon of Barra connections and Griograir Labhruidh resident in South Uist. Uibhisteach Julie Fowlis was a runner-up in the Best Live Act category which was won by Sgìtheanaich Peatbog Faeries.

The Honda Jazz 1.2S which was being raffled by the local organising committee of the Royal National Mod 2008 in Falkirk has been won by Lewisman Murdo Macdonald, originally from Upper Bayble but now living in Falkirk. Murdo and his wife Annette recently collected their new car from Phoenix Honda in Grangemouth, suppliers of the Honda Jazz. Pictured receiving the keys from Mod 2008 Convener Councillor Angus MacDonald are (l to r) Murdo Macdonald, (Cllr Angus MacDonald) Annette Macdonald and Pheonix Honda General Manager Mr Colin McGeoch. Speaking at the hand over Councillor Angus MacDonald said: "We are delighted that the Honda Jazz has been won by someone from the Gaidhealtachd but also with Falkirk connections. Murdo and Annette seemed very pleased with their win and we wish them many miles of happy motoring!" (Photograph by Finlay Nicolson)

A promotional video for the Year of Homecoming in 2009 is launched today. Ten famous Scots combine to present the anthem Caledonia against the background of inconic Scottish scenery. They are Sir Sean Connery, Lulu, Amy Macdonald, Sandi Thom, Eddi Reader, Brian Cox, golfer Sam Torrance, triple Olympic champion Chris Hoy, and international rugby players Thom Evans and Kelly Brown. The 60-second advert will be screened regularly over the next week to raise awareness of Homecoming 2009 and encourage Scots to invite friends and family to return home for the celebrations.

Local businesses saw the benefits of the Royal National Mod taking place in Falkirk last month as an estimated £1.5m was injected into the local economy. Around 10,000 visitors visited the area for the eight day long festival of Gaelic culture and music from across the globe eager to discover what the event and area had to offer. Many local enterprises saw the benefits or being associated with such a high profile festival and were soon signed up in sponsorship and support deals that were available. Many pubs, clubs and hotels were fully booked and retailers saw a visible rise in their footfall across the town centre.

Organisers of this year's Royal National Mod in Falkirk have hailed it as a great success. The nine day festival of Gaelic music and culture drew to a close at the weekend with massed choirs and pipe bands marching along Falkirk High Street, congregating at the bandstand for the traditional massed choirs finale. Convener of the local organising committee, Councillor Angus MacDonald hailed the event as a tremendous success saying: "The Falkirk Mod has proved to be a resounding success. The positive feedback we have received from locals and Mod visitors, both during and after the Mod, has been heartening. "We were determined to stage one of the best Mods ever, and it looks like all the hard work by the local organising committee has paid off.

An Comunn Gaidhealach have announced that the 2011 Mod will be held in Stornoway. Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan welcomed the announcement saying: "I am delighted that An Comunn have awarded the 2011 Mod to the Western Isles, and going by the four previous Mods that have been in the Western Isles it will be a success. Tribute should be paid to those who put the successful bid together." Next year's Mod will be held in Oban from 9th to 17th October. The Falkirk Mod Committee wish Oban, Caithness (2010) and Stornoway (2011) every success in their planning and staging of Am Mod Naseanta Rioghail!

Radio Mod will be broadcasting from 8.30 on Monday morning through to 8.30 in the evening throughout the week and will be bringing news and views and the songs and music of the Mod. Every morning the first programme will give current information as to what is taking place and where. Radio Mod gives an instant facility to communicate and will be clearly heard in Falkirk and surrounding areas. The broadcast frequency is 87.7 FM and this is on a restricted service Licence granted specially for the Falkirk Mod. Radio Mod is run by volunteers some of whom have many years experience in broadcasting. Radio Mod is going to be a positive benefit to four students from Forth Valley College who will get “hands on” experience in preparing and presenting news bulletins and collecting and broadcasting results as well as conducting interviews. The intention is to have as much Gaelic as possible consistent with the fact that not all listeners are Gaelic speakers. It is hoped that the variety of programmes will attract a large audience and there is an open invitation to call in at the Radio Mod recording studio at the Howgate Shopping Mall.

EmmediateMusic.com a new Local New upstart Social Enterprise Music Business is based in Falkirk with its founder ( Neil Maclean ) based in Falkirk also and whom are providing the MOD 2008 Falkirk with there Toolbar Software which will allow anyone from around the world to access content from the BBC, Mod Radio and other media companies who are reporting from this years Royal National Mod event in Falkirk Scotland from the 10th to the 18th Oct 2008. The toolbar is available to download from the top page of our website on the drop down at http://www.mod2008falkirk.org or directly from here http://mod2008falkirk.communitytoolbars.com/exe this will provide a record of materials and recordings for future generations of lovers and fans of traditional Scottish Culture and Gaelic. The toolbar will be added to future toolbars for future up and coming MOD’s users shall also be able to program in there own internet radio stations and pod casts as they so wish. The toolbar also provides feeds to what’s going on with in the Mod community and has another toolbar linked to this one also, informing our Mod guests and tourists of what’s going on in and around Falkirk all year round. EmmediateMusic.com provides website syndication solutions for web publishers that increase site traffic, revenue, and brand loyalty while simplifying access to the content, communities and applications that subscribers care about most. By creating a direct, always-on connection between publishers and subscribers, EmmediateMusic.com opens new channels for real-time communication and commerce for musical events through new media channels. http://www.EmmediateMusic.com

5 years of hard work has finally paid off for the Fairtrade Falkirk Steering Group as news came through that the People of the Falkirk Council area have been awarded Fairtrade Zone status – only the 5th in Scotland to do so. The good news was announced by the First Minister, Alex Salmond, at the opening of the World’s first Fairtrade Royal National Mod.

Gaelic is a unique vehicle for passing Scottish understanding from one generation to the next, First Minister Alex Salmond said today as he prepared to formally launch the Royal National Mod 2008 in Falkirk this evening. The Mod is Scotland's premier Gaelic festival, celebrating Gaelic language and culture, which will today be strengthened with the announcement of more than £2.7 million funding for a range of Gaelic education measures.

Julie Fowlis, the acclaimed traditional singer and instrumentalist is the first recipient of the Scottish Government's new Gaelic Ambassador of the Year award (Tosgaire Gàidhlig na Bliadhna). A native of North Uist, Julie received her award today from Culture Minister Linda Fabiani, ahead of the official launch by First Minister Alex Salmond of The Royal National Mòd 2008 (Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail) in Falkirk. This new award is for the individual, group or organisation whose efforts are judged to have done most over the year to increase the status and profile of Gaelic at home or abroad. It is the first time the Scottish Government has sponsored an award at the Mòd.

As part of the Royal National Mod celebrations being held in Falkirk next week, the local Mod committee had arranged a football match between Falkirk FC and Glasgow Island, a team of Hebridean exiles playing in Glasgow. When Falkirk fc had to pull out of the match last week, Stenhousemuir came to the Mod's rescue by offering to step in and replace Falkirk at very short notice. The match, which is being played for the Mod Cup, will kick off this Saturday (11th October) at Ochilview, Stenhousemuir at 11am. There are no tickets for the Mod Cup match. It's just pay at the gate, with all profits going to charity.

Local Grangemouth Chemical firm KemFine UK Ltd have announced a £2000 donation towards the Mod 2008 fringe.

Mathiesons Bakeries are celebrating Falkirk hosting the MOD by producing specially decorated iced biscuits. Their infamous iced biscuits will be decorated with the MOD logo and Mathiesons will be donating a percentage of every biscuit sold to the MOD charity! In keeping with all things Scottish, Mathiesons delicious Haggis Pastries will be making a come back and can be bought as part of a special MOD Meal deal. These, and the MOD Iced Biscuits will be on sale in all Mathiesons outlets from 8th October for the MOD period. Mathiesons hopes to donate as much as £500, with every sale contributing to this.

Forth Valley College media students will be taking to the airwaves during the Royal National Mod 2008, an annual event celebrating traditional Scottish culture. This year the showcase will take place from the 13th – 17th of October in Falkirk, the home of Forth Valley College’s largest campus. Four students from the college’s BA Media and Communication degree programme will join the team at the popular Radio Mod as part of a unique work experience placement.

The final homecoming for this year's Royal National Mod took place on Friday (19 September) when more than 250 Falkirk schoolchildren escorted Falkirk's Provost Pat Reid , Mod 08 Convener Councillor Angus MacDonald, Mod Sponsored Walk organiser Alan Rankine and other Mod organisers on the final stretch of their 104 mile hike from Fort William (venue for last year's Mod). The fundraising walk took seven days to complete and follows the traditional route of Highland drovers who brought their livestock down from the Highlands to sell at markets in the 18th and 19th centuries and enjoy traditional music, dancing and festivities during their stay. The schoolchildren were selected from six local primary schools and joined in the final one mile procession from The Falkirk Wheel to Falkirk Town Hall (venue for many of the event competitions). The occasion also marked the official launch of the Mod Fringe - a series of musical and cultural events (many of which are free) that will appeal to the local community and the estimated 10,000 visitors expected to attend the event between 10th and 18th October this year.

With BBC ALBA, Scotland’s new Gaelic Television channel now up and running, this coming weekend sees Falkirk FC debut on the channel with the match against Hamilton Accies set to be screened in its entirety on Saturday 27th September. BBC ALBA which is available on Sky Channel 168 and Freesat Channel 110, is providing sports fans with comprehensive coverage of SPL football which is in addition to live and exclusive coverage of one semi-final and the final of the ALBA Challenge Cup. BBC ALBA will also be covering Rugby and Shinty.

A decade long campaign for a dedicated Gaelic TV channel bears fruit as BBC Alba is launched on satellite Sky 168 and FreeSat 110.

TWELVE walkers will be setting off on Saturday to cover the 104 miles from Fort William, scene of last year's Royal National Mod, to Falkirk, which hosts this year's event. But as well as getting sore feet, these walkers may also have a few sore heads to contend with ... as they will be getting into the spirit of the walk with ceildhs and music along the way. They have been promised a good send-off from Fort William and everyone is welcome to join them at a Drover's Ceilidh on Friday night (September 12). The ceilidh dance will be held at the Nevis Centre at 7.30 p.m.

Selling everything from teddy bears to traditionally brewed ale the Royal National Mod shop in Falkirk is now open. Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson formally opened the shop, which occupies a unit in The Mall, Howgate on the mezzanine level (level 3).

Harris accordionist Iain Angus Macleod played for famous Scottish singer KT Tunsall at her wedding on Skye on Saturday. Iain Angus is confirmed as the resident band in the Cladhan Hotel, Falkirk during Mod week and will also play at the Mod 2008 Final Ceilidh Dance with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Skerryvore and Skippinish.

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson is calling on the UK Government and BBC to allow the BBC's new Gaelic channel to be available to terrestrial viewers via freeview as soon as possible. BBC Alba, which launches on 19th September, will only be available to satellite viewers. It is not due to be put on freeview until the digital switch over (due for 2010) and that will be subject to a review from the BBC Trust.

THREE of Gaeldom’s most highly acclaimed writers will be appearing at a series of events in Falkirk district libraries. The authors will bring their unique storytelling skills to Read Mor evenings at Larbert, Grangemouth and Bonnybridge libraries, as part of a series of events leading up to The Royal National Mod, which comes to Falkirk in October. While much of the Mod focuses on the music of the Highlands, keeping the poetry and language alive is a hugely important part of the Gaelic festival, and these evenings will show how vibrant and beautiful the language can be.

This year the Royal National Mod is coming to the Falkirk Council area for the very first time. We are honoured and proud to host the Mod and pleased to play our part in helping to ensure the survival of the Gaelic language and culture. A Mod fringe programme will run throughout the event, featuring a wide range of events to appeal to the whole community. Some of the highlights are listed here but look out for more information coming soon.

Following the announcement that Zoom Airlines has collapsed leaving thousands of passengers stranded on both sides of the Atlantic, Falkirk Mod organisers have voiced their concern and disappointment at the news, claiming that the suspensioon of flights will affect plans by Gaelic speakers in Nova Scotia to attend this year's Royal National Mod in Falkirk, which takes place from 10th to 18th October. Zoom Airlines operated a popular direct flight from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Glasgow which was used by many Gaelic musicians from both Canada and Scotland.

Mod 08 organisers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to take part in this year’s event as stewards to help the estimated 10,000 visitors heading for the Falkirk Council area. The event, taking place between 10th and 18th October, is the world’s largest celebration of Gaelic culture, language and music and will see visitors arriving from across the globe to support and take part in the many competitions.

BROADCASTER and singer Mary Ann Kennedy reckons Falkirk's Mod 2008 T-shirts are "probably the coolest Mod T-shirts ever". The garments that caught Mary Ann's eye when she was presenting the recent Ceol 'na h-Alba concert in Falkirk are part of a wide range of Mod merchandise now available. The Mod 08 logo, a distinctive Celtic swirl in a vibrant green, can now be found on everything from teddy bears to ties and fleeces to coasters. Top sellers include the T-shirts, of course, and the china mugs produced by local potter Barbara Davidson, who was a Mod medallist as a child and is delighted to be involved with the first ever Mod to be held in Falkirk. More unusual souvenirs are the bottles of hand-crafted real ale: Falkirk Mod Gold Beer and Falkirk Mod Traditional Beer, produced in Falkirk district by Tryst breweries. Look out for more lines being added, including a Hebridean liqueur and a Mod whisky, in the countdown to October. Slainte! Click on our Merchandise page to view our Mod 08 products.

The new Gaelic television channel - BBC Alba - will be launched on 19 September, it has been confirmed. It will be available on satellite and cable throughout the UK, with content also available online. BBC Alba will be available on Freeview, in Scotland only, after the digital switchover, subject to review by the BBC Trust. The channel is a partnership between BBC Scotland and the government-funded MG Alba organisation.

The MOD 2008 Fundraising Commitee are pleased to announce that all 104 miles on the sponsored walk from Fort William to Falkirk have been sponsored and would like to thank all those who have supported us. We will be delighted to continue taking sponsorship until the opening day of the walk. Sponsors will be added to the Final Procession page which is already filling up well. Visit www.mod2008sponsoredwalk.co.uk to find out how to sponsor a mile on the final procession. Many Thanks!

Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, yesterday submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament on the Gaelic language with the aim of seeking to have a members debate on the topic after recess.

As part of Falkirk Mod 2008 preparations, the local Mod Committee are delighted to announce that they will be presenting two fabulous concerts in the lead up to the Royal National Mod in October.

More people are living in the Falkirk Council area than ever before according to figures published recently with the population estimated at 150,720 in 2007 (an increase of 1040 from 2006). The area's population grew at a rate of 0.7%, greater than the Scottish average of 0.5%, with the highest number of births being recorded in the area since the early 1990s (1834).

A new CD based on the songs and poems one of the most important and respected figures in Gaelic has been launched by the Stornoway Arts Centre, An Lanntair in partnership with the Hebridean Celtic Festival. The CD, Dhachaigh (Home), celebrates the work of Murdo Macfarlane, a leading poet and campaigner for Gaelic who was widely known as the Melbost Bard. It features standards such as Canan nan Gaidheal and Mi le m’uilinn, and includes some previously unrecorded pieces and new commissions.

The highly successful "Gàidhlig air a’ Bhàta” (Gaelic on Board) project is back again this year and is working alongside The Gaelic Rings initiative.

The Falkirk Mod 2008 Committee has received a major boost to its funds with the news that Falkirk councillors have approved a £25,000 grant from the Falkirk Common Good Fund towards the cost of the Mod 08 Fringe. The money will be used to fund and promote events in Falkirk town centre including events such as music workshops, children's creative workshops, art exhibitions, lectures/talks, live music (in various pubs and on High Street), concerts, civic events (launches), shinty matches, pipe band parades and much more, all related to Gaelic culture, language and music.

First Minister Alex Salmond called today for all Scots to invite Scotland's international friends and family to join the year of Homecoming 2009. Unveiling the nationwide programme for 2009 of over 100 new and enhanced events, designed to celebrate Scotland's first ever year of Homecoming, the First Minister launched an e-card to help all Scots spread the word.

We have added more items to our merchandise page including polo shirts and teddy bears. Help promote Mod 2008 in your community.

The Falkirk Mod 2008 Committee has received a major boost to its funds with the news that local Falkirk councillors have approved a £25,000 grant from the Falkirk Common Good Fund towards the cost of the Mod 08 Fringe.

An Comunn Gàidhealach have announced the appointment of John Morrison as their new Chief Executive. Mr Morrison (48) is originally from Ness in the Isle of Lewis although he now lives with his family in Broughty Ferry. He will take up the Inverness-based post on 1st July 2008. Previously, Mr Morrison has been involved in the tourism industry as Finance and Administration Manager with Angus and Dundee Tourist Board.

THURSDAY 5th JUNE - TRADITIONAL MUSIC CONCERT, Ceol 'na h-Alba, to celebrate the work of the Falkirk Traditional Music Project and to raise awarenesss of the Royal National Mod coming to Falkirk, in Falkirk Town Hall at 7pm. Performing at the concert will be Falkirk Schools junior and senior trad bands, Graeme High Ceilidh Band, Falkirk Youth Pipe Band, clarsach player Sarah McNeil plus special performances fromThe Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Skerryvore, Mod 07 Gold medalist James Graham and Boxclub. Tickets £5 adults, £3 concessions and can be booked through the box office on 01324 506850

Eòrpa, the Gaelic language current affairs magazine programme on European issues, has been singled out as Scotland's favourite news programme. Even non-Gaelic speakers tune into its seasonal regular Thursday evening slot on BBC2 said the Scottish Broadcasting Commission. Some 200,000 viewers love the programme for its coverage of European issues

With entries for the Royal National Mod ’08 flowing in thick and fast An Comunn Gaidhealach’s administration team is busy preparing for this year’s event, which is to be held in Falkirk for the first time ever. Although many entries have already been received and processed An Comunn Gaidhealach expect a large influx before the official closing date of Friday 31st May and are again stressing the importance of complete entries being received on time.

An Comunn Gaidhealach's newest branch has wished the Falkirk Mod Organising Committee the best of luck as they move towards hosting the Royal National Mod in October. Meur Phaislig " the Paisley Branch" was created on 14 May and aims to help promote Gaelic language and culture within the Renfrewshire area.

The Mod 08 team had a very successful presence at this year's Big in Falkirk in Callendar Park, which attracted 100,000 cvisitors over the two day event. The team were there to promote this year's Mod coming home to Falkirk and to raise funds for the Fringe events.

Leabhar ‘s Craic - Glasgow’s first Gaelic literary festival Saturday 24th May 1pm – till late Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street, 0141 352 4900

First Minister Alex Salmond recently met with the Mod 08 organisers to wish the event good luck. The First Minister, who will officially open the 9 day festival celebrating the culture, music, language and art of the Gaels, spoke with Mod 08 Chairman Councillor Angus MacDonald and Falkirk Provost Pat Reid who were with the team promoting Mod 2008 at the recent SNP Spring Conference.

Local Mod organisers have teamed up with Tryst Brewery in Larbert to produce two very special real ales to commemorate the competition coming to Falkirk in October 08. The ales have been developed by Tryst owner John McGarva and his assistant, John Muir over the past six months ‘Falkirk Mod Gold' and ‘Traditional 80/-‘ have been named after the two top competitions in the international event - the ‘Gold Medal' and the ‘Traditional Gold Medal'.

Amateur photographers are being asked to capture the life of Scottish and Irish Gaels on camera in a competition being run by Colmcille, the cultural agency which encourages links between Gaelic speakers from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. The competition is open to amateur photographers, and the first prize for adults is £2000, £500 in the junior section. The winners will be announced at the Mod in Falkirk in October.

Businesses across the Falkirk Council area are set to benefit from the high number of visitors the district is expected to see during Mod 08 later this year.

Lewis MacKinnon, the Chief Executive of the Office of Gaelic Affairs in Nova Scotia, Canada has sent best wishes to the National Mod and the sponsored walk team.

Mod 08 organisers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to take part in this year’s event as stewards to help the estimated 10,000 visitors heading for the Falkirk Council area.

To highlight the Royal National Mod being held in Falkirk in October 08 and to offer children and young people opportunities to participate in traditional and Gaelic music, a mini feis will be held on Sunday 4th May.

FALKIRK MOD DELEGATION VISIT DONEGAL

Big in Falkirk, Scotland's National Street Arts Festival which attracts in excess of 100,000 people has launched its most exciting and diverse line-up to date for the ninth year of the Free event, taking place at Falkirk's Callendar Park on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May 2008 to further establish its reputation as a key date in the cultural calendar.

Plans are underway to secure 'Fairtrade Zone' status for the whole of the Falkirk Council area, with the Royal National Mod in Falkirk becoming the first ever Fairtrade Mod.

Big in Falkirk, Scotland's National Street Arts Festival is back for its 9th year on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th May 2008

Organisers of this year's Royal National Mod will embark on a 104-mile trek to help raise funds for the Gaelic festival of arts and culture. For more information and for details on how to sponsor us check out our news pages....

Traditional music is top of the pops at the moment with a wide range of opportunities available across the Falkirk Council area.

Mod 2008 Falkirk have launched pages on Facebook and Bebo. Check them out at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mod-2008-Falkirk/17391065477 and: http://www.bebo.com/mod08falkirk

Over 100,000 people enjoy watching the wide variety of entertainment on offer across Big in Falkirk’s two days, but have you ever dreamt of being part of it? Organisers are on the lookout for enthusiastic people of 16 years of age and over with a sense of adventure to get involved with Fiesta Fusion – Big in Falkirk’s new streetband project.

Gaelic music continues its breakthrough into mainstream music with stirring harmonies from one of Gaeldom's newest bands, thanks to Scottish Music Futures, a development fund to help cultivate the music industry in Scotland.

The BBC Trust has given its go-ahead for BBC Scotland and the Gaelic Media Service (GMS) to launch their planned Gaelic Digital Service

Delivering this year's Sabhal Mor Ostaig Lecture in Edinburgh, First Mimister Alex Salmond announced that the Scottish Government was giving an extra £7.5 million towards Gaelic.

BBC 2 Scotland will broadcast Christmas Carols from Kelvingrove on Saturday, 22nd December, 17.40-18.25pm

The world's first ever Scottish Gaelic Christmas album is showcased in Duan Nollaig on Wednesday 19th December at 11pm on STV. There will also be a Christmas Carols from Kelvingrove concert broadcast on BBC 2, 17.40 - 18.25pm on Saturday, 22nd December

The Royal National Mod has scooped the Event of the Year award at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards in Fort William.

Falkirk's young traditional musicians are set to feature on a new BBC website to encourage young people to join the traditional music movement.

Falkirk Council announce Mod 2007 Gold Medallist James Graham as the new Mod Events Officer

New Gaelic Course from CNSA

Seachd, the first Gaelic film to go on commercial release will open at Cineworld Falkirk on the 5th October. Visit www.seachd.com for more information

The Mod 2008 Committee have sent a congratuatory message to Nova Scotia on the opening of the province's Office of Gaelic Affairs

Bord na Gaidhlig and Microsoft join together to develop a Gaelic version of Windows Vista and Office 2007

Members of the Mod 2008 Falkirk Committee have met with Nova Scotian Government officials to discuss next year's Royal National Mod in Falkirk.

Scotland's Gaelic and creative communities are being encouraged to take part in an online conversation dedicated to the creation of programmes for the brand new Gaelic digital service.

Organisers of the Royal National Mod, Scotland’s premier event celebrating its Gaelic music, language and culture have welcomed the Falkirk Council initiative which will see the appointment

A delegation from the government of Nova Scotia in Canada visited Forth Valley recently (3rd June ?8th June) led by Warden Fred Whalen, Municipal Leader of Kings County Nova Scotia.

Mod 2008 Falkirk has gone online. A new website will introduce the area to visitors and let local people know what they can expect when the Royal National Mod comes to the district next October - bringing with it an estimated 10,000 participants and spectators.

Traditional music is making a comeback in Falkirk schools thanks to two projects which provide opportunities for children to experience and learn about Scottish traditional music, song and dance.

The Royal National Mod, Scotland's biggest festival ofGaelic music, language, arts and culture will take place in Falkirk in October 2008. The announcement was made at the Falkirk Wheel today....

A public meeting to form a MOD 2008 FALKIRK committee was held on Friday evening, 26th May in the Falkirk Council chambers. A new Falkirk branch of An Comunn Gaidhealach...

?enior officials from An Comunn Gaidhealach and the Royal National Mod met with senior Councillors at Falkirk Council on October 5th to launch the planning process for ....

Falkirk Council has secured grant funding to allow two local teachers to join the Gaelic Language in Primary Schools Initiative (GLPS) training programme.