Highland pupil is ‘best debater’ at National Gaelic Schools Debate

A Lochaber High School pupil was the best debater at the final of the 2017 National Gaelic Schools Debate which took place at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 29 November.

A very lively debate was heard with Clare Frances MacNeil and Iain Gillies from Lochaber High School going up against John Alasdair Bain and Calum Maclennan from The Nicolson Institute in Stornoway.

Clare and Iain from Lochaber High School eventually came second and the trophy goes to Stornoway this year.

Clare Frances MacNeil was presented with the best debater award by Marion MacKinnon from the BBC’s Gaelic team.

Organisations who helped to fund and support this year’s Debate - The Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Skills Development Scotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Glasgow City Council, Comunn na Gàidhlig and The Highland Council.

Councillor Alister Mackinnon Chair of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Strategy and Implementation Group said: “I am delighted that so many schools within the Highland Council area took part in the National Gaelic Debate. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Claire Frances MacNeil on receiving the award for Best Debater.”

He continued, “Both Iain Gillies and Claire Frances were excellent. The Debate provides a national platform for young people to use their linguistic skills outwith the formal class room environment, this is hugely important as the young people are taking part in a modern and contemporary event and meeting pupils from schools across Scotland.”