An àireamh as motha de sgoiltean a-riamh gu bhith a’ farpais ann an Deasbad Nàiseanta nan Àrd-sgoiltean
Record Number of Schools Set to Compete in National Gaelic Schools Debate 2025
A record 18 schools will take part in the preliminary stages of the National Schools Gaelic Debate 2025, which will be held at An Lanntair in Stornoway on the 4th and 5th of November. The competition continues to grow in stature as one of the leading platforms for young Gaelic speakers to showcase their skills in debate, critical thinking, and public speaking.
This year’s record-breaking entry highlights the increasing enthusiasm for Gaelic debate among young people and schools nationwide. The preliminary rounds in Stornoway will determine which teams progress to the next stages of the competition, with the final stages taking place in Edinburgh on the 26th and 27th of November 2025.
The National Schools Gaelic Debate has become a much-anticipated fixture in the Gaelic calendar, encouraging pupils not only to refine their language skills but also to gain confidence and experience in expressing themselves in public.
More information on schools participating and the draw for the first two rounds will be made available in the coming weeks.
Organisers are delighted to announce that Spiorad na Mara return as the main sponsor for the second consecutive year, providing vital support to ensure the competition’s continued success.
“We are hugely grateful to Spiorad na Mara for their commitment to Gaelic and to the next generation of speakers,” said Evelyn Coull MacLeod, Chair of the Debate Management Committee. “Their support allows us to provide a high-quality experience for pupils from across the country.”
Martin Whyte, Project Director speaking on behalf of Spiorad na Mara, added:
“We are proud to support the National Schools Gaelic Debate for a second year. At Spiorad na Mara, we believe it is vital to encourage and celebrate the use of Gaelic among young people. The debate not only strengthens language skills but also highlights the richness of Gaelic culture and the importance of carrying it forward for future generations.”
Tha 18 sgoiltean – an àireamh a bu mhotha a chunnacas a-riamh – gu bhith an sàs anns na ciad chuairtean de Dheasbad Nàiseanta nan Àrd-sgoiltean, a bhios air an cumail san Lanntair ann an Steòrnabhagh air 4mh agus 5mh den t-Samhain. Tha an fharpais a’ sìor-fhàs mar fhear de na prìomh dhòighean a thèid aig òigridh air na sgilean aca a thaisbeanadh a thaobh deasbaid, breithneachaidh agus labhairt air beulaibh sluaigh.
Tha an àireamh de chom-pàirtichean a’ foillseachadh mar a tha ùidh ann an deasbad Gàidhlig a’ dol am meud am measg òigridh agus sgoiltean air feadh na dùthcha. Thèid dearbhadh anns na ciad chuairtean ann an Steòrnabhagh cò na sgiobaidhean a thèid air adhart chun nan cuairtean deireannach, a bhios gan cumail ann an Dùn Èideann air an 26mh & 27mh den t-Samhain 2025.
Thathar a-nis a’ dèanamh fiughair mhòr ri Deasbad nan Àrd-sgoiltean Nàiseanta ann an saoghal na Gàidhlig, ’s e a’ toirt cothrom do sgoilearan an dà chuid na sgilean cànain aca a leasachadh, agus cuideachd eòlas ann a bhith a’ cur am beachd fhèin an cèill air beulaibh sluaigh.
Thèid tuilleadh fiosrachaidh a sgaoileadh mu na sgoiltean a tha an sàs agus cò bhios a’ deasbad an aghaidh cò anns a’ chiad dà chuairt anns na beagan sheachdainean ri thighinn.
Tha an sgioba air a chùlaibh a’ cur fàilte air Spiorad na Mara ’s iad a’ tilleadh mar phrìomh bhuidheann maoineachaidh an tachartais airson an dàrna bliadhna, a’ toirt taic air leth cudromach a thaobh soirbheas is maireannachd na farpais.
“Tha sinn taingeil dha-rìribh do Spiorad na Mara, agus an dealas a th’ aca ri linn an ath ghinealaich agus ri linn na Gàidhlig,” thuirt Evelyn Coull NicLeòid, Cathraiche Comataidh Stiùiridh an Deasbaid. “Tha an taic a’ fàgail gu bheil sinn comasach tachartas air leth a chur air dòigh do sgoilearan bho air feadh na dùthcha.”
Bha Màrtainn Whyte – Stiùiriche Pròiseact a’ bruidhinn às leth Spiorad na Mara – air an aon ràmh, ag ràdh:
“Tha e na urram dhuinn a bhith a’ cur taic ri Deasbad Nàiseanta nan Àrd-Sgoiltean airson an dàrna bliadhna. Tha sinne aig Spiorad na Mara den bheachd gu bheil e deatamach a bhith a’ brosnachadh ’s a’ comharrachadh cleachdadh na Gàidhlig am measg na h-òigridh. Chan e a-mhàin gu bheil an deasbad a’ neartachadh sgilean cànain, ach tha e cuideachd a’ cur solas air beartas cultar na Gàidhlig, agus cho cudromach ’s a tha e a bhith ga thoirt air adhart dhan ath ghinealach.”
