Royal National Mòd News

Mod 2011 5k Run / Walk!

Published: 15 Aug 2011

With the start of Mòd nan Eilean Siar just under six weeks away the local organising committee are encouraging the public to get fit, perhaps even reduce a kilt size, in the run up to the 14th of October! In September 2010 a successful 5k event was hosted by the committee and Saturday the 24th of September 2011 has been chosen as the date of this years event.

The 5k, which will take place in Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway, is the ideal fitness solution in the weeks running up to the Mod and even if you are a total novice you have just under eight weeks to get those trainers on and pound those pavements. An easy to follow training programme is available at www.jogscotland.org.uk. However, there is absolutely no pressure to run the 5k and participants can walk, at their own pace, round the 3.2 mile course.

A fee of £10 will be charged for taking part in the event although those under the age of 16 can participate for free.

Committee members Evelyn Coull and Marina MacLeod, who are organising the Mod 5k commented:“The 2010 5k was excellent and we hope to have even more participants at this year’s event, particularly since the Mod will only be a mere three weeks away from then! Getting fit and setting a personal challenge can be great fun, especially if you team up with a friend for training. It would also be great to see the island choirs well represented and to see their competitive spirit emerge round the five kilometre course! The fantastic thing about an event like this is that people can take it at their own pace and last year it was particularly encouraging to see so many people, both young and old, take part. This is also an excellent way to showcase the premier festival of Gaelic language and culture to an entirely different audience”.

Following the 5k on the evening of the Saturday the 24th of September, popular local rockers Blitzer will be performing at the Sea Angling Club and again all money raised on the evening will go towards Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2011. This gives those who have donned their trainers in the morning the chance to get their glad rags on and enjoy a well deserved night out after all their training endeavours!

For more information or to register your interest contact Evelyn Coull on evelyncoull@hotmail.com or Marina MacLeod on marina@ancomunn.co.uk, telephone 01851 703 487. Alternatively forms can be picked up from the An Comunn office in Perceval Square of from Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais.

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Senior Piping Competitions

Published: 10 Aug 2011

With preparations for the Western Isles Mod 2011 well underway, An Comunn Gàidhealach would like to remind any potential senior piping competitors that the entry deadline for Mod 2011 senior piping competitions is 26th August 2011. Any late or incomplete entries submitted after this date will not be accepted.

This year’s junior and senior piping will take place at Sgoil Lionacleit in Benbecula on Saturday 15th October 2011. Uist has a proud piping history so it is fitting that the Mod 2011 senior piping competitions return there. Competitions and events will be held throughout the islands at this year’s Mod with the Highland Dancing competitions taking place in Castlebay Community School, Barra.

Respected Uist piping teacher Dòmhnall Bàn MacDonald stated, “We very much look forward to hosting the Mod piping competitions at this year’s Mod. There is a wealth of talented young pipers throughout the islands and it will be great for them to hear some of the top senior players competing at the Mod, we look forward to welcoming them.”

As well as the usual trophies and prize money that will be up for grabs, this year’s overall winner of the senior Mod piping competitions will be awarded automatic entry to the invitational Glasgow Uist & Barra competition which takes place on Saturday 10th March 2012.

This is the fifth time that the Mod will have been held in the Western Isles, previously taking place in 1979, 1989, 2001 and 2005. It’s clear that the island community are looking forward to hosting it again. Convener of the Local Organising Committee, Alex MacDonald said, “We wish that the 2011 Mod will be every bit as successful as previous Mods held in the Western Isles. We are hopeful that it will be a fantastic Mod in 2011 and that visitors will enjoy their trip to the Western Isles. Indeed, there will be a warm highland welcome waiting for all visitors and competitors.”

The Royal National Mod takes place in the Western Isles between 14th and 22nd October 2011.

For any further information or details of how to enter, please contact Jim MacLean on 01505 612 134/07833 742 024 or by e-mail: jmacleanpiper@hotmail.co.uk.

For any further information regarding Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail or Mòd nan Eilean Siar, please visit our website.

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Mòd 2011 (400 Club)

Published: 06 Aug 2011

!Congratulations to Aileen Macdonald, of Steinish (#3) on winning the £250 prize in the July draw. The second prize of £100 was won by EJ & CW Gordon of Broughty Ferry (#172) and the third prize of £50 was won by Kristeen Maclean, of Shawbost (#108).

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