Rearranged Mod will be well worth waiting for, organisers pledge

Organisers of the Royal National Mod are hopeful the 2021 Inverness event will generate an even bigger boost for the local economy after a year’s wait.

The Mod was due to take place in Inverness this week – an event worth millions of pounds to the host venue.

However, organisers An Comunn Gaidhealach were forced to pull the plug due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The nine- day event was last held in the Highland Capital in 2014, generating £3.5 million.

The Mo d is now scheduled to return next October.

Convener Alisdair Barnett is hopeful the cancellation of this year’s Mod will potentially create a “better financial outcome” for the local economy next year.

He said: “There is no question that financially as a city we have lost out.

“But in some ways it might make next year even more special and make people appreciate what they are getting there in terms of the camaraderie, the atmosphere and the enjoyment that people get out of the Mod.

“I do think there is almost going to be a pent-up appetite for coming to Inverness because of this.

“In some ways it might create a better financial outcome next year, although that doesn’ t help people in the short term which is concerning.

“We just hope all the businesses that are having difficulties come through this and are available for us next year.”

To mark the original date a virtual Mod on social media was held.

The Mod flag being handed over to Inverness on the steps of the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow in 2019.