17th April 2009

BT is to continue its sponsorship of the National Gaelic School’s Debate for an eleventh year. The management committee is also delighted to confirm that Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, BBC Alba, MG ALBA and Comunn na Gaidhlig have all agreed to renew their support for the competition.

The BT Scotland National Schools Debate, which last year hosted 20 teams for the first time, continues to grow in stature and has become an integral part of the schools academic calendar. The competition, which is open to senior secondary Gaelic-speaking students, attracts schools from all parts of Scotland and not only provides the students with the opportunity to discuss and debate matters of the day, but it also gives them the opportunity to meet with other Gaelic-speaking students from different parts of the country.

It is expected that the opening rounds of this year’s competition will be held at the beginning of November in An Lanntair, Stornoway, with the final being held near the end of November in the Scottish Parliament. It is also expected that the final of the competition will be broadcast live on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. Calum Iain Macleod, chairman of the management committee said; “We are delighted that BT Scotland has agreed to continue with its sponsorship for this year’s competition. We recognise that companies and organisations are going through a difficult time because of the economic downturn and without the generous support of BT Scotland, the competition simply would not happen.

“We are also delighted that Bòrd na Gàidhlig will continue to support to the competition. This additional support will enable us develop the competition and to further add to the experience of the participants. We are making minor changes to the early stages of this year’s competition which we hope will maximise the participation and enjoyment of all the teams.”

Liz Turner, Corporate Responsibility Manager, BT Scotland said, “The BT Scotland National Gaelic Schools Debate is a great way to celebrate the Gaelic language and to help young people to improve their communication skills. We are pleased to continue this partnership again in 2009”

Rosemary Ward, Acting Chief Executive, Bord na Gàidhlig said: “I know from my own experience as a judge in last year’s competition how much this platform means to the schools involved. Our young people are proving themselves masters of debate in Gaelic during these competitions and the standards have continued to improve as the competition has developed. This is a great opportunity for schools and individuals to make their mark and the debates offer an ideal format for us to allow the students to develop debating and language skills in a very challenging setting. The students also recognise the privilege and honour they would have to be able to debate in the Scottish Parliament and I am sure that they will once again show us the full range of their skills.”

Pictured are last year’s winners, The Nicolson Institute, and the runners-up, Sgoil Lionacleit along with Liz Turner and Iain Macrae from BT Alba.