Two special tributes will be paid this week during the Gaelic cultural festival to the man known as the Modfather.
Ten years ago, when the Royal National Mod was last held in Lochaber, Charles MacColl from Fort William was the convener of the local committee.
Known by everyone as Charlie, Mr MacColl sadly died in December 2015.
But his memory will live on at this year’s event as a specially designed trophy in his name will be presented to the winner of the traditional Gaelic singing competition for 15-18 year-olds on Tuesday.
Mr MacColl’s widow Mairi said it would be presented to either the boy or girl who achieved the highest marks in the contest.
“Charlie loved singing and his primary focus was to bring on young people.
“There are two competitions in traditional Gaelic singing for 15-18 year-olds, one for boys and one for girls, so we thought that whoever wins the highest marks between the two should receive the trophy.
“It was specially designed by John Hearach MacDonald who comes from Inverness and it is made out of Ballachulish slate.
“The Mod was always a sacred part of Charlie’s diary – he wouldn’t miss it,” Mrs MacColl added.
A memorial ceilidh will also be held on a very poignant date for Charlie MacColl’s family, friends and fellow devotees of the Mod.
His son, well-known local piper, Calum MacColl, said: “My father just loved the Mod – in fact he was known throughout this area as the Modfather.
“When he was convener of the local committee 10 years ago, he held the convener’s ceilidh on October 18 in the old Caol community centre.
“We have decided to hold a ceilidh in his memory on Wednesday, which is October 18, but this time it will be held in Kilmallie Community Centre beginning at 7.30pm.”
The 29 year-old added: “My Dad was renowned for his ceilidhs and this will be a chance to bring together his favourite singers and musicians in an event in his memory.”
Mr MacColl senior’s love of traditional Gaelic music and song was well known.
Allan Campbell, president of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Charlie was a great singer and a keen promoter of Gaelic.
“He was a giant in terms of the Gaelic language and raised funds for the cause and other charities most of his life.
“He was a real morale booster and so many young people were fostered and encouraged by Charlie MacColl.”