Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) has confirmed that it is to renew its support for Am Mod Naiseanta Rioghail, the Royal National Mod, which this year will take place in Stornoway from Friday 14 – 22 October, 2005.

CalMac has been a supporter of the Mod since 2002, when it was held in Largs, and was heavily involved in the successful Mod held in Perth last year.

Confirming its support for this year’s event as main commercial supporter, at the Visit Scotland Expo Exhibition in Aberdeen today, Hugh Dan MacLennan, CalMac’s Head of Communication and Customer Care, said: "We are delighted to be associated once again with the Royal National Mod following the success of previous events. Our company has been a long standing supporter of the Gaelic culture and heritage of Scotland. Many of our staff, who work in the communities which we serve, take part in the Mod each year. The Mod’s aims and objectives sit very comfortably with our own marketing strategy and it is a very comfortable fit which has now been built up into a mutually beneficial relationship."

Robin Banks, Chairman of Am Mod Naiseanta Rioghail, is delighted to have the support of a major organisation such as CalMac. "The company’s commitment to the Mod in particular and Gaelic culture in general through naming ships and signage, is something which we very much welcome and we are delighted that they will be involved once again supporting this year’s Mod in Stornoway which is a key element of their ferry network. Mod participants will ensure that travel to and from the Outer Hebrides will be a memorable experience for all concerned and the gathering at the end of the Stornoway Mod in the terminal building is always a very special occasion."

CalMac and the Royal National Mod were winners of the 2004 Arts and Business Awards in the Brand Identity category for their cooperation in promoting the Mod.

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For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, Caledonian MacBrayne; tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk or Murdo Morrison, Mod Promotion Manager; tel: 07803 609 774.