Scottish Parliament venue for schools debate final

Society-sponsored Donald Dewar tournament reaches climax in Parliament chamber

News, 12 June 2006

Budding orators will take to the floor of the Scottish Parliament’s debating chamber for the final of the Law Society of Scotland’s Donald Dewar Debating Tournament tomorrow.

The eight finalists have beaten 148 teams from schools across Scotland for the chance to debate the motion "This house believes too many people attend university", with the £1,000 first prize at stake. The debate will be broadcast live online on the Parliament's intranet broadcasting site www.holyrood.tv.

The competition, commemorating Donald Dewar, Scotland’s inaugural First Minister and a former solicitor, was launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the Law Society of Scotland in 1999 and has since become the biggest schools debating tournament in the country.

Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Irene McGrath will lead the judging of the finalists’ performances. The four teams are:

Anna Forrest and Sarah Nash, Carnoustie High School
Katy Trim and Tarni Duhre, Dollar Academy
Ewen Maclean and Sarah Sutherland, Earlston High School, Borders
Felicity Loudon and Alasdair Forrest, Hutchesons’ Grammar, Glasgow.

In addition to the £1,000 cheque, the winners will receive an engraved trophy. The runners-up take a £200 prize, donated by the Glasgow Bar Association. Each of the finalists will receive also a personalised quaich.

Douglas Mill, chief executive of the Society, said: “This is the first year we have held the final in the Scottish Parliament and it is a tremendous opportunity for our finalists to debate a topical issue in the same arena as Scotland’s politicians.

“Debate is a cornerstone of any democracy and the ability to dissect and present a strong and convincing argument are key skills for politicians and lawyers alike. I have no doubt that our finalists will impress both the judges and the chamber with their performances and I’m looking forward to some very lively debate.”

Presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, George Reid MSP, who will chair the debate, said: “Donald Dewar was a sharp and witty debater and of course one of the key drivers behind the Holyrood building. Therefore, it is fitting that the debating chamber should provide the venue for this tournament final.

“I look forward to welcoming these talented young debaters to the Scottish Parliament and hope that some may consider returning in a professional capacity in the years to come!”