ACG News
Local Workshops Help Business Prepare for the Mod
Over 50 people, representing local business, took part in workshops to prepare themselves for welcoming an influx of visitors who plan to attend the Royal National Mòd 2010.
The workshops, hosted by North Highland Tourism, the Mòd local organising committee and the Caithness Chamber of Commerce, set out what businesses can expect when those attending the Mòd arrive in the county.
Following feedback from the workshops North Highland Tourism has organised four introductory Gaelic language sessions which will take place in Wick and Thurso during June and September.
Jill McNicol, North Highland Tourism Manager, said “The workshops held in April were extremely well attended and the feedback provided showed there was a willingness to learn the basics of the Gaelic language in order to welcome the influx of visitors which will undoubtedly arrive in the county in October. We hope these sessions will be well attended.”
Trudy Morris, Caithness Chamber of Commerce, added “Those who attended the workshops saw the obvious advantages of gearing up to support the Mòd. The Mòd will have a huge impact on tourism in our area and we should capitalise on this opportunity. If we make a good impression then I am sure the Mòd will leave a lasting legacy for our tourism industry. Given that tourism is one of the high priority areas within the Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP) we have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on those visiting and hopefully they will think about Caithness and North Sutherland as a great holiday destination for the future.”
Raymond Bremner, Convenor of the local organising committee said “There is a potential for over 8,000 people to arrive in the county to attend or take part in the Mòd. We already know that accommodation is at a premium and we would urge anyone who still has vacancies for the October week to get in touch with us so we can make sure that those requiring assistance in finding accommodation know what is still available.
The hotels, restaurants and drinking establishments are going to have a busy time. People attending the Mòd will have tight timescales to eat/drink and return in time to the different competitions and events that are going on. Professional and efficient service is going to be essential to cope with, what will undoubtedly be, a huge demand. We have already heard that some businesses are gearing up to employ additional staff to cope with what will be a very busy week”
The workshops,“Gaelic for Hospitality and Tourism” – a Gaelic starter course, will be hosted by North Highland Tourism and will be held on Tuesday 15th June and Tuesday 14 September. Further details can be obtained from North Highland Tourism.
Published: 03 Jun 2010
