THERE are fewer than 100 days until Paisley hosts a double whammy of cultural celebrations.

The days are being counted down until the town hosts the Royal National Mòd and the national music and arts festival, The Spree.

The Mòd, a celebration of Gaelic language and culture, will take place in the town from October 11-19, while The Spree festival will wrap around the events of the Mòd and feature some of Scotland's top music and comedy acts from October 10-20.

Renfrewshire Council is backing both festivals as part of its strategy to promote the area as an event destination, and wants to involve residents, businesses and visitors.

Council leader Mark Macmillan said: "We are delighted to welcome these two festivals, and expect them to further Paisley's reputation as a Scottish entertainment destination.

"The Mòd and Spree festivals will see thousands of visitors arrive in Renfrewshire, bringing considerable economic benefits to the area.

"Paisley has some stunning and distinctive venues which will add to the flavour of these events –- including Paisley Abbey, which celebrates its 850th birthday this year, and Paisley Town Hall, fresh from a £2.4 million revamp.

"The town will be buzzing with activity, and it will be the perfect opportunity to showcase everything the area has to offer."

Ealasaid MacDonald, convenor of the Mòd 2013 organising committee, added: "With 100 days to go, we are working very hard to ensure the visit of the Royal National Mòd to Paisley will very memorable.

"It is an honour to host the Mòd and we are grateful to An Comunn Gàidhealach [The Gaelic Association] for bringing this historic and culturally significant festival to our town.

"Paisley is looking forward to a great Gaelic experience."

Organisers say full line-ups will be revealed soon, with tickets going on sale via www.thespree.co.uk on July 15.

The Spree is being run in partnership with Event Scotland, Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and La Mesa restaurant and tapas bar.

Paul Bush, chief operating officer for EventScotland, said: "Anticipation is building. with just 100 days until The Spree and The Royal National Mòd get under way in Paisley for what will be a fantastic 10 days of entertainment and celebration of the Gaelic culture."

Brian Ó hEadhra, Gaelic Arts & Culture Officer at Creative Scotland/Alba Chruthachail, said: "Creative Scotland is committed to supporting our indigenous Gaelic arts, language and culture.

"Congratulations to An Comunn Gàidhealach and Renfrewshire Council on their great work to date in preparation for the Royal National Mòd and The Spree, both of which we're really looking forward to."

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk