In response to a commission from An Comunn Gaidhealach, Harris Tweed Hebrides of Shawbost have created an exclusive fabric design to celebrate the return of the Royal National Mòd to the Western Isles.

The Mòd will be held from 15th to 22nd October with several thousand visitors expected to descend on Lewis and Harris.  There is further cause for celebration as this is the 125th anniversary of An Comunn Gaidhealach's founding.

Harris Tweed Hebrides' design team, led by Ken Kennedy, have incorporated the colours of An Comunn's crest into the cloth, blended with the Hebridean summer landscape and seascape, to form a striking tartan pattern which will feature in an extensive range of accessories, as well as adorning Mòd stages.

Margaret Ann Macleod, Brand Development Director of Harris Tweed Hebrides, said: "The link between Gaelic culture and Harris Tweed is exceptionally strong, so it is natural to have the Clo Mor represented at a celebration of the language, particularly when it is being held in our own community. The vibrant colours will reflect the spirit of the Mòd".

The accessories range - which includes corsage, purses, make-up bags, hand-bags, men's ties and of course hip flasks - has all been made in Scotland with local firms By Rosie and Rarebird among the suppliers.

John Morrison, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gaidhealach, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Harris Tweed Hebrides to create a special edition tweed celebrating a landmark 125 years of An Comunn Gàidhealach. It’s great to be returning to the Western Isles for this year’s Royal National Mòd and what better way to mark such an occasion than to work with such a prestigious organisation as Harris Tweed Hebrides. I’m sure the Gaelic community and beyond will love the tweed and I hope we’ll see many people wearing it at this year’s Royal National Mòd, and at many more Mòds in the future.”

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Mar thoradh air coimisean fhaighinn bhon Chomunn Ghàidhealaich, tha Clò Mòr Innse Gall (Harris Tweed Hebrides) ann an Siabost air dealbhadh sònraichte a chruthachadh gus tilleadh a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail do na h-Eileanan an Iar a chomharrachadh. 

Thèid am Mòd a chumail eadar 14 agus 22 Dàmhair agus tha dùil gum bi grunn mhìltean de luchd-turais a’ teàrnadh air Leòdhas agus na Hearadh. Bidh adhbhar eile ann airson a bhith aoibhneach leis gur e seo an 125mh ceann-bliadhna bho chaidh An Comunn Gàidhealach a stèidheachadh.

Tha sgioba dealbhaidh Clò Mòr Innse Gall, fo stiùir Ken Ceanadach, air dathan suaicheantas a’ Chomuinn, le measgachadh de dhealbh-tìre agus dhealbh-mara Innse Gall, a thoirt a-steach gus pàtran breacain làidir a chruthachadh a bhios ri fhaicinn ann an raon farsaing de stuthan taic, a bharrachd air a bhith a’ còmhdach àrd-ùrlairean a’ Mhòid.

Thuirt Màiread Anna Nicleòid, an Stùiriche Leasachaidh Brannd aig Clò Mòr Innse Gall: "Tha ceangal air leth dlùth eadar dualchas na Gàidhlig agus an Clò Hearach, agus mar sin tha e nàdarrach gu leòr gum biodh an Clo Mòr air a riochdachadh aig tachartas comharrachaidh a’ chànain, gu sònraichte nuair a tha am Mòd an seo nar coimhearsnachd fhìn. Bidh na dathan beòthail mar fhaileas air spiorad a’ Mhòid".
Tha na stuthan taic air fad – a’ toirt a-steach flùraichean, sporanan, bagannan maise-gnùis, bagannan-làimhe, taidhean fir agus gu dearbh flasgaichean-pòcaid – uile air an dèanamh ann an Alba le companaidhean ionadail leithid By Rosie agus Rarebird.

Thuirt Iain Moireasdan, Àrd-oifigear a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte a bhith ag obair còmhla ri Clò Mòr Innse Gall ann a bhith a’ cruthachadh clò sònraichte a tha a’ comharrachadh 125 bliadhna den Chomunn Ghàidhealaich. Tha e sgoinneil a bhith a’ tilleadh gu na h-Eileanan an Iar airson Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail na bliadhna seo agus dè a b’fheàrr na bhith a’ comharrachadh a’ chothroim sin ann an com-pàirt le buidheann cho cliùiteach ri Clò Mòr Innse Gall. Tha mi cinnteach gun còrd an clò ri coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig agus taobh a-muigh na coimhearsnachd sin agus an dòchas gum faic sinn an clò air èideadh dhaoine aig Mòd na bliadhna-sa, agus aig iomadach Mòd san àm ri teachd.”

Press Contact:
Margaret Ann Macleod, Shawbost Mill, Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Tel: 01851702862 / 07867501513. hello@harristweedhebrides.com
Retail Contact:
Ruth Macdonald, Harris Tweed Hebrides, 25 North Beach, Stornoway.
Tel: 01851700046. shop@harristweedhebrides.com