GLASGOW is being promoted as "the heart of Gaelic Scotland" as the city prepares to host the Royal National Mod.

Pupils from the city's schools launched the grand unveiling of a new logo for the event, which will be held in the city in 2019 and is a celebration of the ancient language in music and song.

It is the first time the Mod has been hosted in Glasgow in 29 years.

Gaelic is deeply rooted in Glasgow, its connection with Highlanders arriving in the city who spoke the language dates back to the 15th Century, while it was widely spoken across Scotland up until around the 11th century.

Over the past few years, there has been a renaissance and Glasgow is home to the largest number of pupils in Gaelic Medium Education outside the Highlands and Islands

A third school is now being planned in the south side.

The 2019 Mod will continue to feature a range of competitions for both children and adults – in oral, singing and instrumental performance. 

There will also be an eclectic Fringe programme that will showcase some of Scotland’s finest musical talents.

The new logo was produced by Glasgow-based design agency The Creative Cell (An Còmhlan Cruthachail).

Donald Iain Brown, chair of Mòd Ghlaschu 2019, said: “Music and song performed in any language is a unifying experience and our intention as an organising committee is to engage as many people as possible and encourage the City of Glasgow to support and enjoy all that their cultural heritage has to offer.”

Councillor David McDonald, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council and board member of Glasgow Life, said: “The city’s relationship with An Comunn Gàidhealach stretches back over 120 years since the Mòd’s inception in 1891.

“Glasgow also has a strong reputation as a world-class host for major events and delivering the Royal National Mòd in two years’ time will further reinforce our events credentials and provide a high-profile platform for the sustainable growth of Gaelic in Glasgow in the years to come.”