present an original drama, and there are competitions in written literature. The Mòd also runs an annual shinty competition, the Mòd Cup, between the two shinty teams closest to where the Mòd is taking place. The winners of each day's competitions are invited to perform in the winners' cèilidhs held every evening. The Mòd is a celebration of [Scottish] Gaelic language and culture, which raises its profile and contributes towards the aim of securing its future. Improvements in the provision of Gaelic-medium education across Scotland have meant that by 2007 the junior fluent speakers' section had increased to such an extent that the organisers were forced to extend some of the competitions beyond one day. There has been some criticism of the prominence of the "Gold Medal" event of operatic-style singing, which some Gaelic musicians feel marginalises more traditional singing styles. Culturally, the Mòd is comparable to the Welsh Eisteddfod and the Irish Oireachtas na Gaeilge. The Mòd Fringe The Mòd draws a large crowd, which leads local venues to put on various events in addition to the official Mòd events. These events are collectively referred to as the Mòd Fringe. To participants, the Mòd is also an opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones. The Mòd is popularly known as the "Whisky Olympics", considered "either a vicious slur or fair comment". Media coverage BBC Scotland has traditionally broadcast Mòd highlights on BBC One, BBC Two and Radio nan Gàidheal. Since its introduction in 2008, BBC Alba has provided coverage in Gaelic. Presenters have included traditional musician, Gaelic speaker and broadcaster, Mary Ann Kennedy and Gaelic broadcaster Cathy Crombie. Past and future festivals The Mòd is held each October, and has been held in the following locations throughout Scotland, both Highland and Lowland. These are the host locations to date: Aberdeen - 1946, 1955, 1964, 1976 Airdrie - 1993 Aviemore - 1969 Ayr - 1973 Blairgowrie - 1996 Dingwall - 1905, 1931, 1991 Dundee - 1902, 1913, 1937, 1959, 1974 Dunoon - 1930, 1950, 1968, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012, 2018 East Kilbride - 1975 Edinburgh - 1899, 1910, 1919, 1928, 1935, 1951, 1960, 1986 Falkirk - 2008 Fort William - 1922, 1927, 1932, 1981, 1985, 1999 Glasgow - 1895, 1901, 1907, 1911, 1921, 1933, 1938, 1948, 1958, 1967, 1988, 1990, 2019 Golspie - 1977, 1995 Greenock - 1904, 1925 Inverness - 1897, 1903, 1912, 1923, 1936, 1949,