Final of BT Alba Gaelic Schools Debate 2009 (26/11/09)

Leugh sa Ghàidhlig

The final of this year’s BT Alba Debate competition was held at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh between teams from Portree High School consisting of Anna MacMullan and Eilidh Robertson and Bishopbriggs Academy’s consisting of Eilidh Munro and Heather Kindness.   The audience, including the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Alasdair Morgan, MSP, was treated to an excellent debate with Portree High School  finally emerging as this year’s champions.  It was a closely fought debate and posed a difficult evening for this year’s judges. 

Heather Kindness of Bishopbriggs Academy was presented with the Trophy for the Best Speaker of the Debate by Margaret Mary Murray, Head of BBC Alba.  The three judges; Rosemary Ward, Education Manager at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Matthew MacIver, Professor at the University of the Highlands and Islands and Roddy John MacLeod, Deputy Chairman of the Scottish Land Court and Sherriff at Edinburgh Sherriff Court spoke enthusiastically about the standard of Debate.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Convener, Alex MacDonald, who attended the event said: “I am delighted at the high standard shown in tonight’s Final.  It is an excellent showcase of the skills of our youngsters and is testament to the hard work taking place in our schools and homes.  The BT Alba Debate continues to go from strength to strength and is a highlight on the Gaelic event calendar."

Notes to Editors:

• The Management Committee would like to thank BT Scotland, the main sponsors, for their continued support of the Debate.
• Additional assistance for the BT Scotland Debate 2009 has come from Comunn na Gàidhlig, the BBC, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, MG ALBA and the Management Review Group for Gaelic.