FALKIRK MOD HAILED A SUCCESS BY ORGANISERS

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.  

"The people of Falkirk district gave all the Mod visitors a very warm welcome, which was appreciated, with many competitors and visitors commenting on how friendly the town is. They also said they appreciated the large choice of retailers in the town centre, with many stating they would be back to do their Christmas shopping!  

"Both the official competitions and the Fringe events were well attended, with a successful opening ceremony, fiddler's rally, Convener's ceilidh, prize winners concerts throughout the week and a very well attended final ceilidh dance in Grangemouth Sports Complex. Official Fringe pubs and hotels also had a significant boost including Behind the Wall who had popular live west coast bands performing throughout the week.  

"The Falkirk Mod has been a tremendous success and my thanks go to all the participants who made the festival such a memorable event."