Those wishing to enter this year’s Royal National Mod have just a week to complete their application.
Organisers of the north’s premier celebration of Gaelic culture say that they have received scores of entries for the event, which will take place in Oban in October.
Last year’s Mod in Inverness was hailed as one of the best Mods ever for craic, conviviality and competition.
A study also showed that it gave the Highland capital a massive £3,547,661 business boost – £1million more than the event target.
Organisers of this year’s event say they are expecting an influx of entries this week, before the closing day on Monday June 1.
And there has been a change of scheduling to allow the live broadcast of the top competitions during the event, which runs from October 9-17.
The Gold Medal qualifying will be held on the Wednesday during Mod week, with the final the same evening.
The Seann Nos qualifiers will now take place during the day on Thursday.
The Silver Pendant qualifiers will run on Wednesday morning, with the final in the afternoon.
Janet MacDonald, Royal National Mod director, said: “We would welcome entries being submitted on time and it is important that you check the website and syllabuses for confirmation of any changes that have been introduced this year. Competitors are reminded that entries can be submitted online.”
The return of Gaeldom’s premier cultural festival was welcomed by convener of the local organising committee, Duncan MacDonald.
He said: “The Local Organising Committee are seeing the efforts of the last two years coming to fruition and, as does all of Oban, look forward to welcoming young and old to a key event in the cultural calendar of Scotland.
“Being the “birth place” of the Mod, an Oban Mod is always special .With excellent facilities for the competitive and social sides of the occasion the town knows what a Mod is about and you will sense this when you arrive. We will endeavour to do all that we can to make this a truly memorable experience for you.”
Argyll and Bute Council is also looking forward to the Mod’s return
Councilor Robin Currie, who is the policy lead for Gaelic and culture, said, “Argyll and Bute Council are delighted to support the event this year and are looking forward to welcoming the influx of competitors and visitors to the event.”