Gaelic's Royal National Mod to start on Western Isles
Gaelic's Royal National Mod is to open later on the Western Isles.
The festival celebrating Gaelic language, culture and history will run until 22 October in Stornoway and other venues across the islands.
Entries to its competitions, which include singing and music, have been received from Canada, the US and United Arab Emirates.
It is the fifth time the Mod has been held on the islands in the festival's 120-year history.
Last month, children from Back School on Lewis joined together to mark the countdown to the celebrations.