YesCymru has launched a scholarship in memory of Welsh broadcasting and rugby legend Eddie Butler at the National Eisteddfod.

The former Wales international, who passed away in September 2022, was a passionate and articulate supporter of the pro-independence cause. The launch of the scholarship was held in the society tent in front of an audience that included his daughter Nell, and friend of the family Rachel.

The event at the Eisteddfod, which is being held this week in Boduan on the outskirts of Pwllheli, was to launch an annual lecture which will include the awarding of a £500 prize to a young spokesperson for writing and delivering a speech in favour of independence. 

The purpose of the Eddie Butler Scholarship is to celebrate and develop the next generation of talented spokespeople.

YesCymru is urging teachers, high school pupils (age 14-21), college and university students to get in touch for more information before going ahead to create passionate, clever and inspirational speeches.

As well as looking at the elements that make a successful speech, the event included some fun and games, with the economist Rhys ap Gwilym and YesCymru Chief Executive Gwern Gwynfil going head to head in a speech competition. However, due to the poor counting skills of Phyl Griffiths, the result was a draw!

YesCymru Chief Executive Gwern Gwynfil said; “YesCymru is proud to announce the Eddie Butler Scholarship, which will help nurture and develop the next generation of talented public speakers. Eddie Butler was renowned for being an extraordinarily gifted public speaker and YesCymru is very grateful to Ed’s family for their support, and would like to give a special thank you to Nell for travelling all the way from Bristol to attend the launch with Rachel.”

For more information contact Phyl Griffiths – [email protected]

You can watch Eddie Butler’s spellbinding speech in Merthyr here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nef8aqvYlfo