Inverness set to host lucrative Royal National Mod again
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INVERNESS is gearing up for another major economic boost as the Royal National Mod is returning to the city next year.
Depute Provost Graham Ross led a celebration of Gaelic culture at Inverness Town House yesterday to mark the launch of preparations for the 2020 event.
The last time the Mod was held in the Highland capital, in 2014, it generated more than
£3.5 million for the local economy according to an independent economic assessment.
The event attracted more then 9000 visitors, with 70 per cent travelling to Inverness specifically for the Mod and 60 per cent saying they would return for a holiday in the future.
Organisers will be hoping for similar success when the Mod takes place from October 9 to 17 next year.
Allan Campbell, president of Mod parent body An Comunn Gaidhealach, said: “It was incredibly successful in terms of investment for the council. It’s inconceivable to have the Mod without Highland Council.”
Chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Stewart Nicol, agreed it would have a positive economic impact and added: “If the Mod has a spiritual home, it should be here.”
Inverness Royal Academy pupil Anna MacLeod (14) was among those who performed at the town house for the launch.
A Gaelic speaker, she sang ‘S i a’ Ghàidhlig mo roghainn – Gaelic is my choice.
Looking forward to the Mod’s Inverness visit, she said: “I’m so excited. I love the Mod – it’s so much fun. I’ve met so many people.
“Everybody is so nice and everyone speaks to you in Gaelic.”
