Tain Royal Academy’s success in national Gaelic debating competition

Two pupils from Tain Royal Academy have won the BT National Gaelic Debating Championship, held at the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood on Wednesday night.

Eòghann Beaton (Secondary 4) and Breigha Morrison (Secondary 2) defeated pupils from the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway to lift the prestigious award which was broadcast live on BBC Radio  Radio nan Gaidheal and held in front of a packed audience.

Eòghann and Breigha impressed judges with their arguments in favour of retaining the Queen’s Honours List.  They received guidance from Tain Royal Academy Gaelic Medium teacher, Ms Rupachitta Robertson. In the semi-final on Tuesday, they defeated Dingwall Academy.

Head Teacher Donnie MacLeod said: “In front of a packed audience in Holyrood and a live radio transmission; the youngsters were terrific in winning this prestigious award. Eòghann and Breigha are a credit to Tain Royal Academy.”

Ms Robertson said: “The pupils were outstanding. The worked well together, acted on the advice of the judges, presented compelling arguments, and throughout demonstrated an excellent command of Gaelic.”

Deputy Presiding Officer, Elaine Smith MSP opened the event in Parliament. Both BT Scotland and BBC ALBA were fulsome in their praise of the quality of the debate and the skills of the debaters.