The Royal National Mòd returns to Paisley

Scotland’s

Mòd Phàislig, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, is expected to bring thousands of visitors and competitors to the town for the nine-day festival which will take place at venues across Paisley from Friday 13 – Saturday 21 October.

The Mòd festival will feature a range of competitive disciplines, including Gaelic song, poetry, literature, drama, instrumental, Highland dancing and sport. While the Mòd fringe will see a range of events and opportunities for people to experience everything Gaelic arts and culture have to offer, including activities for children and families, alongside the main festival programme.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are really looking forward to bringing our Gaelic festival of culture and song to Paisley this October. The cultural and economic benefits of the Mòd are far-reaching and this year’s Royal National Mòd, like so many before it, will further the international promotion of Gaelic whilst also having a positive impact on the local tourism and hospitality industry. However, most importantly Mòd Phàislig will raise spirits once again by providing an opportunity for Gaels and Gaelic supporters to gather, renew friendships and enjoy the fantastic hospitality Paisley has to offer.”

Last year’s host city Perth reported a £2.5million boost to the area’s economy for hosting the Mòd. Some 95% of those surveyed at the 2022 event also said they would be likely or highly likely to visit the Mòd in Paisley this October.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming The Royal National Mòd back to Paisley this year.

“The event will offer a great opportunity for visitors to experience the very best of what Paisley has to offer in terms of our fantastic local businesses and cultural venues. It also gives local people the chance to experience and enjoy Gaelic culture and the buzz that will be around the town centre throughout the event.”

For more information on Mòd Phàislig visit www.modphaislig.com

Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a’ tilleadh a Phàislig

Bidh prìomh chomharrachadh na h-Alba air cultar is dualchas na Gàidhlig, am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail, a’ tilleadh a Phàislig as t-fhoghair - deich bliadhna an dèidh dhan bhaile aoigheachd a thoirt dhan tachartas chliùiteach mu dheireadh.

Tha dùil gun toir Mòd Phàislig, air a ruith leis a’ Chomunn

Ghàidhealach, na mìltean de luchdtadhail is farpaisich dhan bhaile airson na fèise naoi-latha a bhios a’ gabhail àite ann an ionadan air feadh Phàislig eadar Dihaoine

13 – Disathairne 21 Dàmhair.

Bidh fèis a’ Mhòid a’ nochdadh raon de dh’fharpaisean, am measg òrain Ghàidhlig, bàrdachd, litreachas, dràma, ceòl, dannsa Gàidhealach agus spòrs. Air iomall a’ Mhòid bidh raon de thachartasan agus chothroman do dhaoine à Siorrachd Rinn Friù agus nas fhaide air falbh eòlas fhaighinn air agus tlachd a ghabhail à ealain is cultar na Gàidhlig, a’ gabhail a-steach tachartasan do chlann is teaghlaichean, a' ruith aig an aon àm ri prìomh phrògram na fèise.

Thuirt Seumas Greumach, Àrd Oifigear a’ Chomuinn

Ghàidhealaich: “Tha sinn a’ coimhead air adhart gu mòr ri ar fèis Ghàidhlig de chultar is òrain a thoirt air ais a Phàislig an Dàmhair-sa. Tha buannachdan cultarail is eaconamach a’ Mhòid a’ dol farsaing agus bidh Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail am bliadhna, mar iomadh Mòd roimhe, a’ cur adhartachadh eadar-nàiseanta na Gàidhlig air adhart agus e cuideachd a’ toirt deagh bhuaidh air a’ ghnìomhachas thurasachd is aoigheachd sa bhaile. Ach an rud as cudromaiche, bidh Mòd Phàislig a’ togail spioradan uair eile le bhith a’ toirt cothrom do Ghàidheal is luchd-taic na Gàidhlig tighinn còmhla, càirdeasan a dhèanamh is tlachd a ghabhail às an aoigheachd shàr-mhath a tha aig Pàislig ri thabhann.”

Thug am Mòd àrdachadh de £2.5m air eaconamaidh sgìre Pheairt nuair a bha am Mòd ga chumail sa bhaile an-uiridh. Thuirt mu 95% den fheadhainn a fhreagair suirbhidh aig tachartas 2022 gum biodh iad dualtach no glè dhualtach tadhal air a’ Mhòd ann am Pàislig san Dàmhair am bliadhna.

Thuirt Lorraine Chamshron, Pròbhaist Siorrachd Rinn

Friù: “Tha mi a’ coimhead air adhart ri Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail fhàilteachaidh air ais a Phàislig am bliadhna.

“Bidh an tachartas a’ tabhann deagh chothrom do luchd-tadhail eòlas fhaighinn air a’ chuid às fheàrr de na th’ aig Pàislig ri thabhann a thaobh ar gnìomhachasan ionadail is ionadan cultair air leth. Tha e cuideachd a’ toirt a’ chothruim do mhuinntir an àite eòlas fhaighinn air agus tlachd a ghabhail à cultar na Gàidhlig agus an togail a bhios timcheall a’ bhaile air feadh an tachartais.”

Airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh air Mòd Phàislig tadhlaibh air www.modphaislig.com

Countdown

is on until town centre cultural venues reopen

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Paisley town centre – as the town’s key cultural venues get ready to reopen.

Renfrewshire Council is making a oncein-a-generation investment in the town centre, using Paisley’s internationally significant heritage and cultural story to give residents and visitors alike new reasons to come into the town, and support local traders.

Here’s the key projects happening now:

Paisley Museum:

The £45m transformation of the museum is Scotland’s biggest current cultural heritage development. When it reopens in 2024, it will be a world-class visitor destination at the heart of the town, expected to attract 125,000 visitors a year, and a community facility open to all.

Construction is well under way on an extension and terraced outdoor garden with views up to the Coats Observatory, and a radical redesign and refurbishment of all four A-listed museum buildings.

The local community have co-produced how the town’s internationally-significant collections will be reinterpreted to tell the fascinating stories of how Paisley and its people impacted the world. Once reopen it will – like the other venues – be operated by local culture, leisure and sports trust OneRen.

Paisley Town Hall:

This landmark building has been at the heart of life in the town for more than 140 years and the current work will keep it there for future generations.

The inside of the building has been transformed – with new modern facilities and rooms added, while preserving the unique architectural features. Capacity has been increased to 1,200, allowing the town hall to host bigger and better events.

Construction will complete over the summer, and the venue will reopen to host the Royal National Mod – Scotland’s largest celebration of Gaelic language and culture – in October this year.

Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub:

This new facility will house the town’s central library (currently in a temporary home next to the Lagoon Leisure Centre), expected to open by end 2023, bringing back into a use a formerlyvacant unit at the heart of the town’s High Street.

Once open it will be a modern centre of learning for people of all ages, housing an IT suite, children’s play area, events space, and more.

Paisley Arts Centre:

This much-loved intimate venue at the heart of the town’s nightlife district is being refurbished – with a small extension and upgraded performance facilities to allow it to host a year-round programme of new and established talent.

TH.CARS2:

The Townscape Heritage/ Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme aims to preserve Paisley’s unique historic architecture.

Since 2016, it has helped owners fund repairs to historic buildings and shopfronts – including the current work to help bring the Liberal Club back into use.

And of course, that’s not all that’s happening locally. The council is also delivering new transport links over the next few years – including new roads, walking/cycling routes and a bridge over the White Cart River – to connect Paisley town centre to the emerging advanced manufacturing district being built next to Glasgow Airport, and the new hightech jobs it will be home to.

More information is at www.renfrewshire. gov.uk/paisley

Chris Greenhalgh, Pastor of the town’s Life Church, currently based in Moss Street, explains.

“We plan to open the ex-Burtons building as a Lighthouse for the glory of God and the benefit of the community,” said Chris.

“On the ground floor, we expect to site a cafe and multi-use/worship space.

Paisley has seen a number of churches close in recent years, reflecting the increasingly secular nature of society.

“In time, we hope to move the multiuse/worship space to the middle floor, freeing up the ground floor for projects aimed at benefiting the community and developing the top floors as space for children and youth work.

“The church traces back to a small local fellowship meeting at 26 High Street founded in 1906 in the aftermath of the pentecostal revivals of faith at that time. Through many iterations, including a merger in 2005, the church was named Life Church in 2010.

“At that time, the church was meeting in Stock Street. In 2011, it was decided that we move the church to the centre of Paisley in order to make more connections and be involved more in the life of the town.

“The church holds weekly worship meetings on Sunday mornings with Sunday school and youth group, and midweek house groups for people to develop their relationships with one another and God.

“The Taste and C cafe is on site and community space is also offered to a range of organisations including AA, Paisley Counselling, Peace by Piece counselling, Karis Therapies and Hummingbird After School Care.

“The church also partners with Street Connect, a charity offering practical hope and life transformation for people struggling with addiction through one-to-one support, recovery groups and a transformation cafe. It also hosts Street Pastors, volunteers who patrol the street at night to care for, listen and help whoever needs it. place of hope and life for everyone.

“Additionally, the church runs Walk for Life, a walking group, Courageous Kids Club for primary-school-age children, the Joy Club (Just Older Youth) for over sixties and occasional fun days and festivals including Summer and Christmas Fayres.

“The main challenge of our new home will be its renovation,” added Chris.

“The ‘Lighthouse’ is currently a shell and requires a full fit out including electrical and mechanical installations and a major challenge is the need to replace all 168 upper floor windows, many of which are smashed or cracked, and to restore the roof.

“I am an accountant by profession, which has helped me with the business side of the project. I have led the church for almost 15 years now, overseeing our move to leased premises in Moss Street and have learned a lot about creating community space.

“Five churches are hosted at our current space, including The Redeemed Assembly, St Matthews Church, Kingdom Street Fellowship and Seed of Faith, as well as weekly studies by Churches Together Renfrewshire.”

“It is our desire and intention to make the facility as sustainable as we can by installing air source heat pumps, solar panels, secondary glazing etc. It’s a great opportunity to restore the building to its former glory but the costs of restoration and sustainability are great, so we are looking for whatever help we can get.

“The main benefit is the location. The Lighthouse is on the High Street across from the town hall and overlooks the main square. We hope it will give the church profile and be a

“Paisley has seen a number of churches close in recent years, reflecting the increasingly secular nature of society. We hope that as a town we can remember our roots, that the town was founded by St Mirin and began with a chapel.

“Churches have for centuries been central to the dynamic life of towns and villages in Scotland. In opening our church in central Paisley, we hope to be a blessing to all and to be integral to Paisley’s future success.”