The Royal National Mòd has returned to Paisley today for the first time in 10 years.
Around 7,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Renfrewshire town during the prestigious event, which runs until Saturday, October 21.
The Mòd 2023 will bring fans of Gaelic music and culture together once again to celebrate the language, history and future of the Gaels.
Around 2,000 participants will take part in a total of 200 competitions, with stages, halls and libraries in over 20 venues across Paisley and its surrounding areas bursting to life for the event which is expected to generate in excess of £2million to Paisley's economy.
There will also be a vast range of performances, recitals and cultural activities on offer to visitors over the coming nine days.
An incredible opening night concert featuring MG Alba Folk Band of the Year Breabach will take place this evening for what will be the first full-scale concert to take place at Paisley Town Hall since its reopening.
The iconic building will also host the Our Language Our Music event tomorrow night, which will include musical performances from local groups including arts organisation Fèis Phàislig, Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band and Kilbarchan Pipe Band.
Grant McFarlane, director of Fèis Phàislig, told The Gazette: "The highlight of this event for me is the Mòd Fringe Programme, as there are a wide variety of concerts and ceilidhs for families and young people to get involved in.
"Gaelic is such a strong part of our cultural identity and heritage in Scotland, with so many of the stories and tales that come along with our music being based in Gaelic.
"For us here in Paisley, it's a really exciting time to celebrate a lot of our Gaelic culture and the links that we've had historically, as well as celebrating the activity that is happening within the town this week."
Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron said: "The banners and bunting are up across town, and we're all excited and ready to get Mòd Phàislig underway.
"There's a fantastic programme of events and performances for everyone to enjoy – whether they have a passion for Gaelic culture or if they've never engaged with the language and music before.
"The whole community has been involved in preparations from our local businesses and volunteers to our school pupils and I can’t wait to see the town full of buzz and excitement with visitors and locals enjoying everything this jam-packed festival has to offer."
To find out more about Mòd Phàislig events or to book tickets, visit www.modphaislig.com.
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