Surge in child entries may see rule change

Published on Thursday 15 October 2009 22:07

THE ROYAL National Mod may have to change its rules to accommodate an increase of thousands of children applying to take part in events.

The upturn has been attributed by Mod officials and Gaelic educationalists to the increase in Scots parents choosing Gaelic education for their children.

This year there will be more than 3,000 people taking parts in events in Scotland's premier Gaelic festival making it the largest competition since it began in 1892.

Children's competitions have been near capacity in Gaelic language and singing competitions – with some events taking more than four hours to complete.

There has also been a rise in the numbers taking part in instrumental competitions.

Now Mod organisers say the way the competitions are organised may soon have to be changed. Among the options are regional heats before the National Mod and extending the programme.

John Macleod, president of organisers An Comunn Gaidhealach – The Highland Association – said: "We are a very successful event. Competitions have seen as many 1,000 children in a single day.

"But the Mod is also about keeping our language and culture alive.

"We do not want to have to put anyone off coming to the Mod but due to the huge increase in the numbers taking part we will need to think seriously about the future.

"Options being considered include using local Mods as heats for the National Mod, or indeed swapping events around to make them over a few days such as extending the Saturday programme and including events into the Wednesday.

"The last thing we want to do is put people off attending the Mod, but waits of four or more hours and children rushing all over the place to take part in competitions is very demanding."