Nova Scotia Minister Confirmed For Mod Opening
Organisers of the Royal National Mod 2007 which opens in Lochaber this week are delighted to announce that the Official Opening of the event is to be performed by the Honourable Len Goucher, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Heritage with the Nova Scotia Provincial Government.
Mr Goucher will be visiting Scotland for the Mod and will also be taking the opportunity to meet with representatives from The Highland Council area with whom Nova Scotia have strong social and cultural links. Mr Goucher will open Mod 2007, which will be the 104th staging of the event at the Nevis Centre in Fort William on Friday 12th October. Linda Fabiani MSP Scottish Government Minister for Gaelic will also be in attendance.
John Macleod, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Highland Association) who oversees the organisation of what is Scotland’s largest celebration of its Gaelic language, music and culture is delighted to welcome the Minister to the Mod. Mr Macleod said: “Scotland and Nova Scotia have strong links going back many years and we are delighted that the Government of Nova Scotia which has such a significant Scottish Gaelic heritage is to be represented at Mod 2007. This is an honour for the Mod and in partnership with The Highland Council and the community of Lochaber we look forward to welcoming Minister Goucher and his colleagues to Fort William for Mod 2007.”
The Convener of the Highland Council Sandy Park said: “We are delighted that the Royal National Mod is taking place in the Highlands and having the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Heritage in Nova Scotia open the Highland 2007 Mod makes Gaelic’s premier festival very special. Many links exist between Highland communities and communities in Cape Breton both past and present. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The Highland Council and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia is facilitating a number of exciting Gaelic and cultural exchanges in relation to young people, parents, work experience, exhibitions, and the business sector. Hosting the Mod in the Highlands shortly after the Council has submitted the authority’s draft Gaelic Plan to Bòrd na Gàidhlig is appropriate and also developing and sustaining trans-national links on the basis of Gaelic and culture is both informative and innovative. I wish all Mod competitors and visitors to the festival every success and enjoyment whilst in the Lochaber area.”
Although unable to attend, Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald wanted to send his best wishes. He said: "Reinforcing and expanding the Gaelic language and culture and familial links that exist between Scotland and Nova Scotia are of value and importance to both our regions. The Royal National Mod celebrates Scotland's Gaelic language and culture and we hope to take this opportunity to build upon our Memorandum of Understanding with The Highland Council, which focuses on beneficial opportunities to residents in both regions. I extend my best wishes and support for the work of all Gaelic organisations in Scotland.“
The Royal National Mod 2007 will open on Friday 12th October with the Official Opening being followed by the Freedom of Lochaber Ceremony and a ceilidh dance featuring the Lochaber Ceilidh Band, Govan Gaelic Choir, Ceilear and a host of guest artists. Both the opening and ceilidh dance are free events but tickets are required and are available from the Mod 2007 shop which is located in Fort William High Street.
Ends
Further information from Murdo Morrison (Mod Promotion Manager 07803 609774)