Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Press Release
27th November 2009
Final Of Bt Alba Gaelic Schools Debate 2009
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.
MM Murray of the BBC pictured with Heather Kindness, winner of the Best Speaker of the Debate
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”.
A’chuairt Dheireannach De Dheasbad Bt Alba 2009
‘S iad clann-nighean Phortrìgh, Anna NicMhullan agus Eilidh NicDhonnchaidh a choinnich caileagan Acadamaidh Dhrochaid an Easbaig, Heather Kindness agus Eilidh Rothach anns a’ chuairt dheireannach de Dheasbad BT Alba na bliadhna seo aig Pàrlamaid na h-Alba ann an Dùn Èideann. As an luchd-èisteachd de mu cheud neach bha Alasdair Morgan BPA, Leas-Oifigear an Taghaidh aig Pàrlamaid na h-Alba. Aig a cheann thall ‘s iad Ard Sgoil Phortrigh a thàinig a-mach air thoiseach, ach ‘s e farpais glè fhaisg a bha ann agus cha robh e furasta ann an dòigh sam bith do nan britheamhan.
Anna McMullan & Eilidh Robertson of Portree pictured with Murdo MacRae of BT Alba
Thug Mairead Màiri Mhoireach, Ceannard BBC Alba, an duais airson an Neach-labhairt as fhèarr seachad do Heather Kindness a Drochaid an Easbaig. ‘S iad na trì britheamhan Rosemary Nic a’ Bhàird, Stiùiriche Foghlam aig Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Mata MacÌomhair, Àrd Ollamh aig Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd ‘s nan Eilean agus Ruairidh Iain MacLeòid a tha na Iar Chathraiche air Cùirte Fearann na h-Alba agus a tha cuideachd aig Cùirt an t-Siorraidh ann an Dùn Èideann.
Bha Neach-gairm Chomhairle nan Eilean Siar an làthair aig a’ Phàrlamaid: “Chòrd an oidhche rium fìor mhath agus bha farpais na bliadhna seo aig fìor àrd ìre. Tha an Deasbad a’ sealltainn an obair chruaidh a tha a’ gabhail àite nar sgoiltean, nar coimhearsnachdan agus nar dachaighean agus bu chòir seo a bhith na adhbhar mhisneachd dhuinn. Tha Deasbad BT Alba a’ dol bho neart gu neart bho bliadhna gu bliadhna agus tha mi an dòchas gu lean seo”.
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Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ruairidh Maciver
Communications Assistant
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822615 (Work)
Tel: 07881 774601 (Mobile)
email: ruairidh.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk
