Dewar's memory honoured as pupils from his old school win debating contest

Published on Sunday 14 June 2009 19:41

PUPILS from Glasgow Academy took the top prize in the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, honouring the memory of the former first minister, who was a pupil at the school.

Debating the motion "this house believes that the babies of 1999 are reaping the benefits of devolution", the Academy team consisting of Cosmo Grant and Allen Farrington were placed first ahead of teams from George Heriot's School, Madras College and Mearns Castle High School in the final of the competition held in the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament last week.

The competition, which attracted entries from more than 130 schools from across Scotland, is organised by the Law Society of Scotland and sponsored by Simpson and Marwick.

Speaking after the event, winning team member Allen Farrington said he felt "exalted" by the victory. "I am so happy, because this final, in my opinion, was so close," he said. "The quality was extremely high."

Cosmo Grant, who was singled out for particular praise by the judging panel, said he was delighted by the win. "I am relieved because it was the last year I could have done this competition," he said.

They paid tribute to the debating set-up at the school, which sees weekly debating society meetings and a house final held in front of all pupils.

As well as the championship trophy, the pair won 1,000 for their society and 100 of book tokens each.

The society's chief executive, Lorna Jack, said: "I want to congratulate everyone who took part in the final, as well as our winners Cosmo and Allen.

"The judges had a very difficult job in choosing the winning team and it was wonderful to see the quality and passion of the debate."

Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP chaired the debate. He added: "The voice of Scotland's young people is vitally important to us, and we aim to ensure that there are many relevant and innovative ways in which young people can engage with their parliament .

"More than 130 teams from the Western Isles to the Scottish Borders entered the tournament this year, so I congratulate all four teams who made it to the final – each of the teams was exceptional, despite the judges having to choose just one winner."

This year's event was the tenth Donald Dewar debating competition and was staged by the Law Society with help from Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament, which offered ideas from debating motions from within its own manifesto.

The judging panel, chaired by Karen Whitefield MSP, named Herioters Imogen Dewar and Georgina Barker as runners-up.

The other participants were Michael Weir and Alice Minick of Madras College, and Tahleel Lateef and Alasdair Clarkson of Mearns Castle High School.