The competition attracts much interest from the majority of secondary schools in Scotland with Gaelic-speaking pupils and a total of 20 teams representing 16 schools will take part in this year's debate.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Calu
m Iain Macleod said: "It is quite appropriate to be returning to the Western Isles as last year's winners of the competition were Sgoil Lionacleit, with the top individual award going to Innes MacSween, from the The Nicolson Institute team. Once again, we are indebted to BT Scotland for their continuing sponsorship of this popular event.
"The climax of the debate will again be fought out in Scottish Parliament where the final round will be held on Thursday, November 20, the night after the semi-final round which takes place in the Scottish Storytelling Centre."
Agnes Rennie, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Gaelic Language Plan Implementation Committee said: "The chance to participate in the BT Scotland National Schools Debate is a wonderful opportunity for young people, both to hone their debating skills which will serve them well throughout their lives, and to meet with other young people from schools all over Scotland.
"This is truly a national competition and we are delighted that once again the Hebrides are hosting the opening rounds," she added.
The competition is again sponsored by BT Scotland, with further assistance coming from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, MG ALBA, Comunn na Gàidhlig, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and BBC Craoladh nan Gaidheal.
