Edinburgh school wins Society debate
31 Mar 05
George Heriot's School triumphs in Donald Dewar debating tournament
Two pupils from George Heriot's School in Edinburgh put in a great performance to win the annual Law Society of Scotland Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Gabriel Brady and Thomas Boston beat off spirited competition from Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen, Stewarts Melville College, Edinburgh and Uddingston Grammar School, Glasgow, in opposing the motion "This house believes we should elect our judges".
The judges took their time in considering the results but in the end the Heriot's team were unanimously winners of the £1,000 first prize. Robert Gordon's Gareth Jones and Robert Gallon were narrowly beaten into the runners-up spot.
Douglas Mill, the Society's chief executive, said: "The final provided a fantastic evening of debate. The judges took almost 45 minutes to pick the eventual winners, giving an indication of the strength of the competition which is now in its seventh year."
The final, held at the Society's offices, was chaired this year by Nicola Sturgeon MSP and judged by Ros McInnes of BBC Scotland, Charles McGregor of Simpson & Marwick solicitors and Kate Thomson, former debating coach at Glasgow High School.