A packed audience gathered in the Scottish Parliament on the 27th of November to watch the grand final of Deasbad 2025, Scotland’s national Gaelic debating championship.
The final brought together two outstanding teams with Sir E Scott school from Harris crowned the winners after a closely contested debate.
Dingwall Academy secured a place in the final and third year pupils Katarina MacArthur and Jessica Bridel were praised for their fluency and confidence throughout the competition.
The finalists impressed judges Roddy Angus Munro, Donald Ryno Morrison and Catriona MacKinnon with their clarity of thought, their command of Gaelic and their ability to approach contemporary issues with maturity and humour.
Martin Whyte, representing the main sponsor Spiorad na Mara, praised the standard reached by every team.
“This event has once again showcased the next generation of Gaelic speakers,” he said.
“We are immensely proud to support a competition that celebrates confidence and the power of language.
“Tonight’s finalists were outstanding, a credit to themselves, their schools, and the wider Gaelic community.”
Roddy Angus Munro spoke on behalf of the judging panel.
“The standard this year was exceptionally high,” he said.
“All teams demonstrated excellent preparation and real passion.
“The winners stood out for their command of argument and their ability to engage the audience and judges alike.”
Flora Scott and Bella MacLean from Sir E Scott shared their excitement after the announcement.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have won Deasbad 2025,” they said.
“It’s been an amazing experience from start to finish.
“Debating in the Scottish Parliament is something we’ll never forget, and we’re very grateful to our teachers, supporters, and everyone who makes this competition possible.”
Bella MacLean also received the BBC speaker of the year award, adding another moment of pride for the school and the island community.
The final once again highlighted the strength of Gaelic among young people and the value of creating national platforms where confidence, culture and language can flourish side by side.
Sir E Scott air Deasbad Nàiseanta nan Àrd-sgoiltean Ghàidhlig 2025 a ghlèidheadh
Chruinnich sluagh mòr aig Pàrlamaid na h-Alba air Diardaoin 27 Samhain 2025 aig a’ chuairt dheireannach de Dheasbad 2025 agus Acadamaidh Inbhir Pheofharain a’ strì an aghaidh Sgoil Sir E Scott. Às dèidh deasbaid air leth, chaidh Sgoil Sir E Scott às na Hearadh ainmeachadh mar luchd-buannachaidh Deasbad 2025. Is iad Acadamaidh Inbhir Pheofharain a bha nan aghaidh agus chaidh moladh mòr a dhèanamh air Katarina NicArtair agus Jessica Bridel a tha air an treas blìadhna san sgoil.
Chaidh moladh mòr a dhèanamh bho na britheamhan Ruairidh Aonghas Rothach, Dòmhnall ‘Ryno’ Mac’IlleMhoire agus Catrìona NicFhionghain.
Acadamaidh Inbhir Pheofharain – Dingwall Academy pupils Katarina MacArthur and Jessica Bridel
Mhol Màrtainn Whyte bho Spiorad na Mara, a’ phrìomh bhuidheann maoinichidh an fheadhainn a ràinig na cuairtean deireannach:
“Tha an tachartas seo air an ath ghinealach de luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig a thaisbeanadh a-rithist. Tha sinn air leth moiteil taic a thoirt do cho-fharpais a tha a’ comharrachadh misneachd agus cumhachd na cànain. Bha na farpaisich air leth math agus bu chòir dhaibh a bhith air leth moiteil.”
A’ bruidhinn às leth nam britheamhan thuirt Ruairidh Aonghas Rothach:
“Bha an deasbad aig sàr àrd ìre. Sheall na sgiobaidhean uile gu robh iad air deagh ullachachadh a dhèanamh. Bha e na thlachd dhuinn a bhith san èisteachd agus tha gach sgioba a ghabh pàirt airidh air a h-uile moladh”.
Thuirt Flora Scott agus Bella NicIlleathain bho Sir E Scott:
“Tha sinn air leth toilichte gun do bhuannaich sinn Deasbad 2025. Tha e air còrdadh ruinn bho thoiseach gu deireadh. Cha dhiochuimhnich sinn gu bràth a bhith a’ deasbad aig Pàrlamaid na h-Alba. Tha sinn glè thaingeil dha na tidsearan againn, luchd-taic, agus a h-uile duine a tha an-sàs ann a bhith a’ cuir an fharpais air dòigh.”
B’ e Bella MacLean cuideachd a fhuair duais neach-labhairt na bliadhna aig a’ BhBC.
