Loganair National Gaelic Schools’ Debate

24 October 2022 at 12:51:27

The Loganair National Gaelic Schools' Debate  Committee is delighted to announce that Loganair, the UK's largest regional airline, will again sponsor this year's competition, following a three year hiatus in the running of the competition. 

The airline will transport around 100 pupils from across Scotland's Highlands and Islands to this prestigious competition, which will be held in Stornoway (first two rounds on 8th and 9th November) and Edinburgh (semi-final on the 29th and final on 30th November). 

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.  

Commenting on the announcement, Loganair Chief Commercial Officer, Luke Lovegrove, said: "We are delighted to sponsor this excellent initiative once more. 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, Chair of the Loganair National Gaelic Schools' Debate Management Committee, said: "We are very grateful to Loganair for their financial support for this year's competition, which, once again, demonstrates their commitment to the Highlands and Islands and to the Gaelic language and culture. We are absolutely delighted to bring young people from across Scotland together and look forward to many interesting and thought provoking debates". 

"We are also grateful for the continuing support from The Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Education Scotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, The Highland Council and Glasgow City Council without whose support, the competition could not continue. 

"The Schools' Gaelic Debating competition enables Gaelic-speaking communities to come together, bringing Gaelic-speaking students from schools across Scotland together in both Stornoway and Edinburgh, plying their wits against each other in a series of debates in an attempt to reach the finals of the debating competition, which are held in The Scottish Parliament, and broadcast live on Radio nan Gàidheal.  

"The competition gives young Gaelic-speakers from across the country, fluent and learners alike, the unique opportunity to hone their linguistic skills and provides them with a platform to showcase their research, presentational and public speaking abilities. 

The National Secondary Schools' Gaelic Debate is organised by the management committee, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and funded by Loganair, The Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Education Scotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, The Highland Council and Glasgow City Council.