Portree students triumph at Gaelic debate competition
Two pupils from Portree High School talked their way to victory at this year’s National Gaelic Secondary Schools Debate competition.
Eòghann Campbell and Alasdair Stewart fought off competition from Glasgow Gaelic High School and came out on top at the finals of the competition which were held in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday November 28.
The finals were broadcast live on BBC Radio Alba and the parliament committee room was packed with audience members who were treated to a lively debate on the topic ‘AI will save the Gaelic language’.
Portree High School debated against the motion and judges Iain MacAulay, Joy Dunlop and Angus MacLennan named them the overall winners. The prize for Best Speaker was won by Finlay Morrison from Glasgow Gaelic School.
Iain MacAulay said: “As judges, we were delighted with the standard of the debate this year. Interesting topics, pupils well prepared by teachers and parents, teams from rural areas and big cities taking part and it is obvious that they all have a special interest and pride in Gaelic.
“Congratulations to Portree High School who won the competition. They really deserved it but the other three teams that reached this stage should be very proud of themselves too.”
Leader of the council, Councillor Raymond Bremner praised the students for the “terrific” result given they were up against such tough competition.
He said: “I was driving while listening to the whole debate and I laughed out loud when they related AI to the speed of the internet connection on the Isle of Skye!! It was great entertainment and a well-deserved win.
“I would like to offer my congratulations and let them know that they are a credit to the Highland Gaelic community and particularly a credit to their local school on the island. I’m sure that their friends and families are all very proud of them.”
Chairperson of the council’s Gaelic Committee, Councillor Calum Munro added: “Either of the schools would have been worthy winners in a hotly contested debate, but I’m delighted that the pupils from Portree High School just edged it on the night.
“This is a great example of the high levels of language and debating ability pupils are reaching through Gaelic Medium Education.”
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the prestigious competition which aims to encourage the development of pupil’s Gaelic communication skills and encourage connections between pupils across Scotland.
On behalf of the National Gaelic Schools’ Debate Management Committee, Evelyn Coull MacLeod said: “I would like to especially thank the following funders: Spiorad na Mara, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Scottish Government, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Skills Development Scotland, Education Scotland, Glasgow City Council and Stòrlann Nàiseanta.
“After Portree High School’s success and an impressive level of debate throughout the competition we are looking forward to 2025!”
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