RESIDENTS and businesses have been praised for playing an "important part" in making this year's Royal National Mòd a success.
The event, which celebrates the Gaelic language, music and culture, took place in Paisley in October.
As part of it, locals participated in a range of cultural activities, signed up as volunteers, and showed their support by creating a welcoming environment for visitors to the town.
The nine-day event, which was run by An Commun, included a diverse and extensive fringe programme of activity to encourage local Gaelic speakers and novices to take part in the festival.
Outside of the traditional competition elements of it, more than 780 people took part in activities including the multi-cultural ceilidh at the Tannahill Centre, the Fountain Gardens Nature Walk, and the Gaelic kids' clubs.
Additionally, 12 community groups played an active role in helping to run fringe activities including STAR project, Fèis Phàislig, Inspiring Families and Pachedu drummers.
Heather Key, STAR project manager said: “We were humbled to be chosen to work with the great Alasdair Whyte on mapping a Gaelic Walk in Fountain Gardens.
"Both the workshops and the subsequent walk were fantastic. Our community members loved it.”
Inspiring Families also participated in the Welcome Cèilidh at the Tannahill Centre during the festival.
Unyimeobong Matthew from the Inspiring Families group said: “The community spirit was quite commendable. Inspiring, engaging and colourful!”
Meanwhile, Renfrewshire-based Gaelic arts and culture organisation Fèis Phàislig helped deliver an extensive schools engagement programme in the lead-up to the event.
As part of it, "Stramash for Schools" saw the group of musicians visit 45 schools across the area to teach pupils about traditional music, song and instruments, whilst learning a few Gaelic phrases along the way.
Grant McFarlane, Fèis Phàislig Director and Mòd Phàislig Local Organising Group member, said: “I was really encouraged to see so many young people come along to the ceilidh’s, workshops and activities as part of the Mòd Phàislig fringe programme this year.
"It’s a great way of getting young people excited about music and it can really help foster a real love of Gaelic culture.”
The event also saw a record number of volunteers sign up to support it.
One volunteer said: “It was a great experience; I met some nice people and saw some great choirs.”
While another added: “There was a great atmosphere during the Mòd.
"There was plenty of support and I felt valued.”
The council also say the number of local businesses that wanted to get onboard with the event "exceeded expectations".
Lorraine Cameron, Renfrewshire's Provost said: “It was a real privilege to welcome the Royal National Mòd back to Paisley this year to celebrate the amazing Gaelic language, music and culture.
"It was wonderful to see the town so full of energy with thousands of people looking to experience everything the Mòd has to offer.
“I was particularly proud to see the whole community get involved from our local business owners learning Gaelic phrases to welcome people, our school pupils participating in Scottish traditional music lessons and the fantastic volunteers who signed up to support the festival and give visitors a proper Paisley welcome.
"The event was a great success for the town and showcased the warm welcome visitors can expect when they come to Renfrewshire.”
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