Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2005 | Brath Naidheachd 16/08/05

BRATH NAIDHEACHD 16 LÙNASDAL 05

Mod Ship hopes sunk

With the Royal National Mod 2005 set to take place in the Western Isles in October, the local organising committee have finally admitted defeat in their efforts to secure a cruise ship for the event.
The proposals which would have seen the 12000 tonne, 482 berth vessel MS Polarlys berthed in Stornoway for the duration of the Mod have been the subject of discussion between organisers and the Norwegian owners of the vessel for approximately 18 months.
With all the necessary finance in place and with the support of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Western Isles Enterprise and the Stornoway Port Authority, hopes were high that a vessel could be found which would have provided accommodation, catering and event facilities for Mod 2005.
The owners of the Polarlys have however now informed organisers that they are unable to restructure their timetables in order to provide a vessel for the Mod.
John A MacIver, Convener of the Royal National Mod who has been leading the negotiations on behalf of the Mod 2005 Committee in the Western Isles is extremely disappointed that their efforts have proved to be in vain. Mr Maciver said “This has been a very difficult process where there have been a number of highs and lows with expectation levels having been raised only for them to be dashed. I would like to thank Comhairle nan Eilean, Western Isles Enterprise, the Stornoway Port Authority and the members of the local committee all of whom have been extremely supportive of the proposals which in our view would have added greatly to the attraction of the Mod. This is not to be however and we now look forward to October as the Mod approaches and as planning enters the final stages”.
Mod 2005 will open on Friday 14th October and will come to a close on Saturday 22nd October with the parade and performances of Massed Gaelic Choirs and Pipe Bands.

For further information contact John A Maciver on 07768 791779

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