Gaelic festival set for Falkirk

Falkirk saw off a challenge from Stirling to host the festival

Scotland's annual Gaelic festival is to take place in Falkirk for the first time in its history.

The Royal National Mod, an annual week-long showcase for traditional music, poetry and song, is held in the central belt once every six years.

Stirling was unsuccessful with its bid to host the 2008 festival.

Organisers said both bids were "very impressive" and that the move would support efforts to promote and develop Gaelic in the area.

The event attracts thousands of visitors to watch competitors from as far afield as Canada and Australia.

This year's Mod takes place in Dunoon, with Lochaber staging the 2007 festival.

We feel very privileged to be chosen to help celebrate Gaelic language and culture Jim Johnston Falkirk provost

Calum Iain MacLeod, chief executive of organisers An Comunn Gaidhealach, said it was tough to separate the two bids.

"The bids from Stirling and Falkirk were both very impressive and it was a difficult decision for the board of directors of the Mod company to make," he said.

"But it was felt that Falkirk should be given the opportunity to host the Mod for the very first time."

Mr MacLeod said the move would also support Falkirk Council in its efforts to promote and develop Gaelic.

Falkirk provost Jim Johnston said: "As central Scotland only gets the chance to host this prestigious event every six years, we feel very privileged to be chosen to help celebrate Gaelic language and culture."

The first Mod was held in Oban in 1892.