Royal National Mod to open in Thurso

Scotland's biggest festival of Gaelic culture and life is due to get under way.

The Royal National Mod, which is being held in Caithness for the first time, will formally open in Thurso and run until 16 October.

The celebration of Gaelic is organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach and has the Queen as its patron.

The event will feature a series of contests in music, song, Highland dancing, drama, literature and sport.