PUBLIC TO HAVE A SAY ON GAELIC CULTURE
Does Gaelic play a part in the culture and history of Caithness?
The Local Organising Committee for Mòd Ghallaibh 2010 has organised a debate to let members of the public have their say on the role of Gaelic, Scots, English (and Norse) in modern Caithness, as a prelude to the first National Mòd, Scotland's premier Gaelic Festival, to be held in the county this October.
The debate will be held on Saturday 27th March 2010 at 1400 hrs in Mackays Hotel, Wick with a panel of five community representatives and hosted by award winning journalist and broadcaster, Lesley Riddoch. Members of the public are invited to come along, ask questions and air their views.
Raymond Bremner, Convenor of the Local Organising Committee said "There appears to be a wide range of views on whether embracing Gaelic culture in Caithness is relevant. We felt it was time to ask members of the local community what they think and we are really pleased that Lesley Riddoch has agreed to host the debate."
The National Mòd 2010 is coming to Caithness in October and there are a lot of people working away behind the scenes now to ensure that visitors to Caithness are given a warm welcome. The benefits to the area, of holding an event like this, are huge adding £3.2m to the economy of Oban and the surrounding area where the Mòd was hosted last year and this debate gives people an opportunity to ensure their views are heard."
Lesley Riddoch, whose mother's family are from Wick, added, "I'm delighted to host this event. I know this is a really hot topic and hope Wickers will not pull their punches so we can have a lively, honest and constructive debate.
As someone who spent 16 childhood summers in Caithness (visiting hidden treasures like the Whaligoe Steps above), I know it's a great place to stay with a unique blend of cultures. If the whole community gets behind the National Mòd 2010 then visitors will be talking about their Caithness experience for years to come."
For further information, contact:
Raymond Bremner
Convenor of local organising committee of Mòd Ghallaibh 2010
Raymond@dmgeddes.com
Mobile: 07765 420 971
Tel: 01847 831 766
Notes for editors:
- The Royal National Mòd takes place every year in October. The first Mòd was held in Oban in1892.
- The Royal National Mòd is organised by An Comunn Gaidhealach (The Highland Association) founded in 1891.
The festival celebrates Scotland's Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage and provides opportunities for people of all ages to take part in a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music and song, highland dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature. See www.acgmòd.org
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Royal National Mòd is responsible for raising funds and for co-ordinating activities in order to host the Royal National Mòd in Caithness in 2010. - It is estimated that over 8,000 people will visit Caithness to take part in the Mòd with an estimated economic benefit of £1.5M.
This project is being part funded by The Scottish Government and the European Community Highland Leader 2007-2013 programme. In addition support has been provided by The Royal National Mòd, Bòrd Na Gaidhlig, The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Dounreay Communities Fund, North Highlands Initiative, Highland Council, Caithness Chamber of Commerce, Caledonian Mac a'Bhriuthainn and The Royal Bank of Scotland. - "Mòd Ghallaibh" is Gaelic for "Caithness Mòd"
- For further information visit the website: www.CaithnessMòd2010.co.uk
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