Holyrood hosts Donald Dewar debating tournament

14 June 2006

Debating teams are pictured with Ruthven Gemmel, President of the Law Society of Scotland, and the Presiding Officer

Young orators took to the floor of the Parliament's debating chamber on Tuesday evening for the final of the Donald Dewar debating tournament.

Presiding Officer George Reid chaired the competition, featuring teams from Carnoustie High School, Earlston High School, Dollar Academy and Hutchesons' Grammar in Glasgow.

Speaking ahead of the event George Reid said:

"Donald Dewar was a sharp and witty debater and of course one of the key drivers behind the Holyrood building.

George Reid presented the trophy to the winners

"Therefore, it is fitting that the debating chamber should provide the venue for this tournament final."

The eight finalists had beaten 148 teams from schools across Scotland to debate the motion "This house believes too many people attend university" in the final round.

The winners of the tournament were Katy Trim and Tarni Duhre of Dollar Academy.

The competition, which commemorates Scotland's inaugural First Minister Donald Dewar, was launched by the Law Society of Scotland in 1999.