The Royal National Mod came to Falkirk for the first time in October and left a lasting Gaelic legacy for the area. The week-long event - hosted by Falkirk Council - was judged a huge success.
As well as the traditional competitive events, ceilidhs and concerts, a lively and popular Fringe programme was staged across a range of local venues. Now Falkirk Council plans to build on that success by actively promoting the Gaelic culture at local level, especially in schools and among young people:
-
a Gaelic strategy has been developed and some local primary teachers have taken part in a Gaelic training programme.
-
Gaelic song is being introduced by trained tutors in nursery and primary schools through the Youth Music Initiative (YMI).
-
Wallacestone Primary entered the poetry competition at the Mod for the first time this year.
-
some schools like Carron Primary have small Gaelic choirs, who perform at school concerts. Falkirk High and Larbert High School choirs competed in the Mod for the first time this year with support from the YMI.
-
the two local National Youth Choirs of Scotland choirs, which also competed, received additional support through the YMI programme.
-
the Council's Falkirk Traditional Music Project (FTMP) will continue to develop the Falkirk Youth Pipe Band and the FTMP senior and junior traditional bands Both FTMP bands competed in the Mod.
-
free Gaelic singing classes for Primary 4 through to Secondary 6 pupils will begin in January 2009.
The Mod Fringe programme included creative workshops and instrumental masterclasses for all ages at Callendar House featuring instruments including the fiddle, bodhran, chanter and accordion, Gaelic language lessons, talks on Gaelic culture, live music in pubs and along Falkirk High Street and arts and crafts.
Provost Pat Reid said: "We were delighted with the success of the Mod and the warm welcome the people of the Falkirk Council extended to everyone taking part. We intend to build on that success and create what will be a lasting legacy for our community, especially through music."