2023 Loganair National Gaelic Schools Debate

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 on from a hugely successful return post-COVID, the 2023 Loganair National Gaelic Schools Debate proves to be yet another great competition: 14 teams from 14 schools have registered for this year’s competition. The first two rounds will be held in Stornoway, on the 7th and 8th of November 2023.

The airline will transport pupils from across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands to this prestigious competition, which will be held in Stornoway.

Commenting on the announcement, Loganair Chief Commercial Officer, Luke Lovegrove, said:

“The Gaelic Schools debate is an excellent initiative and Loganair is proud to give its backing to the event once more. Gaelic is a crucial element of Scottish heritage and we are only too happy to show our support to events that give young people the ability to develop their Gaelic skills.”

The four teams with the overall highest marks will progress to the semi-finals that will take place in Edinburgh on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th of November. The committee welcomes back judges Joy Dunlop and Angus Maclennan who will be joined for the first time by Iain MacAulay. 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. 

Evelyn Coull Macleod, Chairperson of an Deasbad Nàiseanta’s Management Committee commented:

“We are delighted to be back together organising the 2023 Deasbad. We would especially like to thank the following groups for providing funding and support this year: Loganair, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Scottish Government, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland Council, Skills Development Scotland,  SQA, BBC Gaelic Broadcasting and Glasgow City Council.”

Calum Iain Macleod, Member of the Deasbad committee agreed, adding

“The Deasbad is a hugely valuable asset to for our schools. It provides pupils with the opportunity to mix with pupils from other parts of Scotland and gives them the opportunity to learn new skills. Debating skills are specialist skills – research skills, conversing in front of other people, working as a team and presenting arguments in a reasonable manner to bring people around to your point of view. These are skills that increase pupils’ confidence and that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. We are incredibly thankful to the schools for their hard work and support in participating in this competition year after year.”

Councillor Calum Munro, Chair of the Highland Council Gaelic Committee, further added,

“We are delighted that preparations for the 2023 Loganair National Gaelic Debate is underway.  The 2022 competition was excellent and Highland Council were delighted that Portree High School emerged as the triumphant winners.  The Debate continues to be an important event on the national Gaelic and Cultural diary as it engages secondary pupils who study Gaelic throughout the country and it provides an exceptional opportunity for young Gaelic speakers to use their linguistic and debating skills on both regional and national platforms.” He continued, “I’m delighted that Loganair are continuing to support the Debate in 2023. This is a good example of both business and public sectors investing and collaborating in order to support and value the importance of our young Gaelic speakers, as they will be the Gaelic and cultural ambassadors of the future. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the teams who will be entering and taking part, and wish you all the very best”.

He continued,

“I’m delighted that Loganair are continuing to support the Debate in 2023. This is a good example of both business and public sectors investing and collaborating in order to support and value the importance of our young Gaelic speakers, as they will be the Gaelic and cultural ambassadors of the future. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the teams who will be entering and taking part, and wish you all the very best”.