Deasbad 2024 Returns With New Major Sponsor

The Management Committee of the National Gaelic Schools Debating competition is delighted to announce a new major sponsor for the 2024 competition.  The proposed Spiorad na Mara offshore wind farm project, will act as the lead sponsor for Deasbad 2024.

The funding which has been secured from Spiorad na Mara will allow the 2024 competition to take place on what will be the 25th anniversary of the prestigious competition.  The first two rounds will take place at An Lanntair in Stornoway on the 5th and 6th of November 2024.

Tanya Davies, Project Director of Spiorad na Mara, said:

"We are delighted to sponsor this excellent initiative for the first time.  We were hugely impressed with how this competition has evolved and developed over many years and is now seen as a highlight in the secondary academic calendar. We understand and appreciate that Gaelic is a crucial element of Scottish heritage, and we are proud to show our support to events that give young people the ability to develop their Gaelic skills."

Evelyn Coull Macleod, Chairperson of an Deasbad Nàiseanta's Management Committee, commented:

"We are delighted to be back together organising the 2024 Deasbad.  We would particularly like to thank Spiorad na Mara for their support.  In ever challenging times and funding becoming increasingly difficult to source, along with rising costs of hosting events such as these, we have been provided a lifeline for the 2024 competition. We would also like to thank the following groups for providing continued funding and support this year:  The Scottish Government,  Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Education Scotland, Highland Council, Skills Development Scotland, Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig, BBC Gaelic Broadcasting, Glasgow City Council and Bòrd na Gàidhlig".

The four teams with the overall highest marks will progress to the semi-finals that will take place in Edinburgh on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th of November.  The final will once again take place at the Scottish Parliament. The committee welcomes back judges Joy Dunlop, Angus Maclennan and Iain MacAulay. The platform gives participants a unique opportunity to develop and showcase their language and debating skills amongst their peers, Gaelic development agencies and members of the Scottish Parliament. 

Further information on the first two rounds will be released soon.