Renfrewshire School Pipe Band play outside Paisley Abbey and Town Hall. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson
The Royal National Mod has returned to Paisley for the first time in a decade.
Sprits are high in the Renfrewshire town as Gaels from across Scotland come together to mark the official launch of the 2023 event.
A civic reception is being held at Paisley Town Hall this evening followed by a special concert to celebrate opening night.
Multi-award-winning Lochaber five-piece band Breabach will headline the concert; the first of its kind in the town for 10 years.
Organisers anticipate more than 7,000 visitors will turn out to enjoy the nine-day Gaelic festival as around 2,000 participants put their skills to the test in an array of competitions.
The Mod was last held in Paisley in 2013, with organisers hoping to carry on their successful run.
Our photographer Sandy McCook has been capturing the evening’s festivities.
Gaelic Ambassador of the Year, Linda Macleod from North Uist who is currently living in Glasgow.
Gaelic Learner of the Year, Louise Brown from Falkirk and Skye holds medal with Paisley Abbey as a backdrop.
President Maggie Cunningham.
Scottish Government Minister Jenny Gilruth addresses the Civic reception.
Friends of the Mod medalists (L-R) Raghnald Robertson of Skye who accepted on behalf of his late brother John, Mary Lorne of Broughty Ferry, Sheila Mackay of Newtonmore and Mairead Nicolson of Staffin.
Renfrewshire School Pipe Band welcome guests to the opening concert in the Town Hall.
Conductor Joy Dunlop leads singers during the civic reception.
Breabach in concert in Paisley Town Hall.
The crowd enjoy listening to the concert at Paisley Town Hall.
Breabach entertaining the crowd with Scottish Folk music.
The crowd listen intently to the music.
There was a great turnout at the concert in Paisley Town Hall.
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Gallery: Paisley welcomes back Royal National Mod with open arms
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