Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has described The Mod being held in Perth as being a “real coup” for the city and has highlighted the economic boost it gave to the city and its surrounding area.
The politician recently introduced a Members’ Business: ‘The Mod Coming Back to Perth’ in the chamber at the Scottish Parliament, following the national event taking place in Perth from October 14th to the 22nd.
It closed with a massed Choirs event at Perth High Street and also at Perth Concert Hall, where the Mod flag was handed over to Paisley, hosts of the Mod 2023.
Over the course of the nine-day event, around 2,100 participants took part in a total of 200 competitions.
Commenting, Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “The Royal National Mod was held in the Fair City, celebrating the Gaelic language and culture at 14 venues across the city. This was its tenth visit to Perth.
“Over the course of the nine-day event, around 2,100 participants took part in a total of 200 competitions. It is important to stress the massive economic boost to Perth and its surrounding area from The Mod. Around 7,000 people are thought to have visited the city during the duration of the festival, and it is understood that The Mod contributed around £1 million to the local economy.
“The wide appeal of The Mod was shown by thousands of people, including those from the United States, watching Mod events online.”
Mr Fraser continued: “It was a real coup for Perth to hold The Mod in the city again and for it to resume normal competitions, after adapting to a hybrid format in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid. And it was very heart-warming to hear the words of James Graham, the Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gaidhealach, which supports the teaching, learning and use of the Gaelic language. He described the joy of having Gaels once again being able to showcase the language and culture, and praised Perth for its ‘fantastic venues, welcoming community and picturesque streets.’
“I hope The Mod will make an early return to Perth, rather than having to wait another 18 years for this to happen.”
