250 Schoolchildren Welcome the Royal National Mod to Falkirk

                       Above: Mod 2008 sponsored walkers before setting off from Falkirk

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 followed 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.

Some of the musical highlights include:

• Live music from bands such as Skerryvore; The Red Hot Chilli Pipers; Skipinnish and many others across a number of venues in the town
• A Fiddlers Rally at Falkirk Town Hall
• Ceilidhs featuring established and local musicians
• Pipebands and live musical performances in the town centre
• Instrumental ‘masterclasses' for school children and adults featuring traditional instruments such as the fiddle, bodhran, chanter and accordion
• Gaelic lessons for beginners
• A number of art and craft exhibitions
• A children's festival with a range of free workshops including drama; dance; Gaelic signing and instruments.

The walkers were also joined in the final stretch by Na Fir Dileas (The Loyal Men) who joined the walk on the last day from Fankerton to The Wheel and then on to Falkirk Town Hall dressed in traditional Highland drovers gear.

Cllr Angus MacDonald, Convener of the Mod's Local Organising Committee said: "The Mod is truly coming home to its roots in Falkirk and this is the first time we have had the opportunity to host such a prestigious event in our town.

‘We are sure that the Fringe programme we have put on will entertain the many thousands expected in the town from across the world over the eight day celebration of Gaelic music and culture.

‘It will also have a local dimension and we are confident that many local communities will join in the event and help make it the most memorable event to date and show the many families and visitors to the area a warm welcome."

Carole Keltie, Destinations Manager, The Falkirk Wheel said "We are delighted to be part of the homecoming for this year's Royal National Mod.  It is fitting that this traditional journey will pass through one of Scotland's iconic 21st century monuments, The Falkirk Wheel.

"Like the rest of Falkirk, we welcome all the visitors for the Mod Fringe and we are sure Falkirk will provide an excellent venue for such a prestigious event."

Walk organiser Alan Rankine said: "The walk itself was a truly enlightening experience and we were delighted by all of the hospitality and encouragement we were given during its entire length."

The Mod fringe programme will be available from a range of Falkirk Council facilities including One Stop shops; Libraries and Sports Centres or via the Council's website at www.falkirk.gov.uk from next week.

Tickets (including some free events) can be booked in advance at the Steeple Box Office - 01324 506850 or by visiting in person on Falkirk's High Street.

           Above: the Mod sponsored walkers on their final leg of their 104 mile trek from Fort William at the Falkirk Wheel

Above: The Mod 2008 sponsored walkers were joined by Na Fir Dileas (The Lyal Men) on the last day who escorted the walkers from Fankerton to Falkirk Town Hall via the Falkirk Wheel dressed in traditional drovers' gear.

FOR MORE PHOTOS AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSORED WALK VISIT www.mod2008sponsoredwalk.co.uk