Zoom Airlines Collapse Affects Mod Visitors
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. Convener of the Falkirk Mod 2008 Committee, Councillor Angus MacDonald said: "This news is very disappointing, particularly as plans have been put in place for a number of high profile members of the Gaelic community in Canada to visit this year's Royal National Mod in Falkirk. It is hoped that alternative arrangements can be made without too much difficulty. It is likely that the Nova Scotian regional government officials that had planned to attend the Mod will still make it over, however my concerns are for the individual travellers and musicians who may well have relied on the low fares that Zoom offered, and will find it very difficult to replace their ticket with a full commercial rate ticket with another airline, particulalrly at such short notice, with the Mod just a few weeks away. There are still hopes that the airline can be resurrected, and we will be watching the situation closely. In the meantime we are contacting regional government officials in Nova Scotia to offer help with alternative arrangements for musicians, and we are still looking forward to giving as many Nova Scotian visitors to Falkirk as possible a warm welcome."
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