Local organisers of the Royal National Mod 2008 which will be held in Falkirk from the 10th to 18th October this year have released details of a sponsored walk to raise funds towards the cost of organising and running the annual event which celebrates the Gaelic language and culture.
A minimum of 12 people, including Falkirk Provost Pat Reid will walk the 104 mile route following some of the old droving routes from Fort William (Mod venue 2007) to Falkirk (Mod venue 2008). Over the centuries drovers and cattle dealers from all over the Highlands and Islands would converge on Falkirk district to sell their livestock at the annual Trysts. Following the cattle sales, the drovers would gather for ceilidhs, which is where the original idea for a Highland Gathering came from, and is why Mod 2008 is using the slogan “The Mod is Coming Home”. The walkers will follow the drove routes from Fort William, with a re-enactment of the cattle droves planned for the final leg of the journey to the Falkirk Wheel. The walk will take 7 days and there will be fundraising ceilidhs held in all the stopping off points along the way.
Organisers are looking for businesses, groups or individuals to sponsor each mile for £20. Each sponsors name will be added to the dedicated website, www.mod2008sponsoredwalk.co.uk until all 104 miles are sponsored.
If you would like to sponsor a mile, or two, please contact the Mod 2008 Fundraising Convener, Alan Rankine on 01236 733398 or send a cheque to the address below, payable to An Comunn Gaidhealach (Falkirk Branch) along with a brief note stating name details, logo required etc that you wish to appear on the website:
Mod 2008 Fundraising Convener
48 Turnberry Gardens
Westerwood
Cumbernauld
G68 0AZ
E-mail: info@mod2008falkirk.org
Over 10,000 people will be visiting Falkirk during Mod 2008 and your help and assistance will ensure that the Royal National Mod Falkirk will be a truly memorable event.
Councillor Angus MacDonald, Chairman of Mod 2008 Falkirk said:
“The Royal National Mod is a major event in the Scottish calendar and will attract up to 10,000 people to Falkirk district in October. Fundraising is an important element of the Mod Committee’s functions. Money raised from our fundraising efforts will allow us to provide a number of Fringe events over and above the official Mod programme, and will ensure that Mod 2008 in Falkirk will be a truly memorable event. The traditional music scene in Scotland is going from strength to strength and Falkirk will play its part in the exciting developments that are taking place, not just this year but in future years to come."
For more information contact the Mod 2008 Chairman, Councillor Angus MacDonald on 01324 506139, or the Mod 2008 Fundraising Convener, Alan Rankine on 01236 733398.
Pictured above are members of the Falkirk Mod 2008 Committee ( left to right) Mod 2008 Convener Councillor Angus MacDonald, Linda Sim (Mod 2008 Accommodation & Transport Convener), Mrs Sandra Reid and Falkirk Provost Pat Reid, Mod 2008 Halls Convener Alex MacDonald and Mod 2008 Fringe Convener Ian MacLeod
Click on each day below to follow the route of the sponsored walk.
