Talks are to be held at the Royal National Mod in Perth to discuss how Highland 2007 and the Mod can work together in the build-up to the Scottish year of Highland Culture in 2007.

Shona McMillan, project manager for Highland 2007, is spending a couple of days at the Mod to attend events and meet Mod officials.

She said yesterday, “Gaelic language and culture is fundamental to Highland 2007.

“The Mod has long been considered to be one of the key events in the calendar of the Gaelic community and Highland 2007 looks forward to the continued development of the partnership between the two organisations.”

“It is anticipated that the Mod will be themed to Highland 2007 but also, that the Mod will hold some new events which specifically celebrate 2007, the year that Scotland celebrates Highland culture, past, present and future.”

Bruce Robertson, director of education, culture and sport with the Highland council, said, “We are hoping that the Mod will take place in the Highlands in 2007 and we are looking forward to the benefits it will bring to the area through the national celebration of Highland culture.”

The location of the 2007 Mod has not yet been officially announced but there are high hopes in a number of quarters that it will be in the Highlands.