PAISLEY CHOSEN FOR 2013 MOD

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, Councillor Angus MacDonald 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."