Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 30 October 2001 For Use: Immediately

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Western Isles Set To Host Third BT Scotland National Gaelic Debate

Sixteen teams from the Highlands and Islands, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen are brushing up their oratory skills for the third BT Scotland National Gaelic Debate for Schools, which kicks off in Benbecula this week.

The preliminary rounds are being held at Sgoil Lìonacleit on Thursday and Friday, with the finals in the Council Chambers in Stornoway on November 22 and 23. Last year's winners, sisters Ceit Anna and Raonailt MacLeod from Stornoway's Nicolson Institute will not be participating, as Ceit Anna has now left school and Raonailt has decided to 'retire' from the competition.

Sixteen teams representing 13 schools are competing this year, double the number of teams that represented five schools at the inaugural event in 1999. Taking part are teams from the Nicolson Institute; Sgoil Lìonacleit, Uist; Castlebay School, Barra; Sir E Scott School, Harris; Portree High School, Skye; Millburn Academy, Inverness; Islay High School; James Gillespie's School, Edinburgh and Hazlehead Academy, Aberdeen. A team from Tain Royal Academy and two teams from Hillpark Secondary School, Glasgow, will rejoin the competition this year having been unable to be present last year. A team from Plockton High School is competing for the first time.

BT Scotland generously continue to be the main sponsors of the debate while Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Comann nan Gàidhlig, Comataidh Craolaidh Gàidhlig and BBC Craoladh nan Gaidheal also continue to support this worthwhile event.

Councillor Donald MacLean from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, chair of the debate said: "The organisations sponsoring the debate, in particular BT Scotland, deserve the highest praise for their commitment to the Gaelic language and for their interest in promoting this event which is of enormous benefit to young Gaelic speakers. The success of Gaelic medium education is also apparent and we are delighted to welcome Plockton High School for the first time."

Alex Pollock, BT Scotland's head of external relations, said: "BT Scotland is once again delighted to support the National Gaelic Debate. In recent years much of the support we have given to Gaelic has been at grass roots level and we are committed to encouraging the use of the language amongst youngsters in ways that are relevant to them and today's society. As Scotland's leading communications company we also recognise the importance of improving children's personal communications skills!"

Mr John Alex MacPherson will chair the team of judges and he will be joined by Mr James MacDonald from 'Aithris na Maidne' and Ms Ishbel MacLennan, manager of BBC Craoladh nan Gàidheal.

Entry to the event is free and the organising committee would be pleased to welcome all those who wish to attend. Both rounds of the debate will be advertised locally in Uist and in Lewis and full details will be on the posters displayed. Should anyone require further information they should phone Willie Macdonald at Lìonacleit Education Centre at 01870 602043.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer