Holyrood plays host to budding debaters

01.12.2014

The eighth annual St Andrew’s Day Debate will take place in the Scottish Parliament on Monday 1 December.

Held in partnership with the English Speaking Union and Education Scotland, this unique event brings together students from schools and universities across Scotland.  The student teams pair up to compete in the heats in the hope of making it through to the final to be held in the Parliament’s Debating Chamber.

Deputy Presiding Officer Elaine Smith MSP who will be chairing the event said:

“Hosting this Debate is an apt way for the Scottish Parliament to mark St Andrew’s Day and it is fitting that the Debating Chamber will play host to these young debaters.

“The calibre of debate from these young people is extremely high and I would encourage members of the public to come along and hear the debate.”

The finals will take place in the Parliament’s Debating Chamber from 16.50 on Monday 1 December.  Members of the public are welcome to attend and winners will be announced at the completion of events.  There will be five prizes awarded for:

  • Best University Speaker of the Day
  • Best School Speaker of the Day
  • Best Contribution from the Floor
  • Runner-up St Andrew’s Day Debating Championship
  • Winner of St Andrew’s Day Debating Championship  

Background

The St Andrews Day debate will be broadcast live on Parliament TV and motions covering a range of topical and current issues will be debated.

The schools participating in today’s event include:

  • Aberdeen Grammar School
  • Armadale Academy
  • Bearsden Academy
  • Bellshill Academy
  • Blairgowrie High School
  • Braes High School
  • Brannock High School
  • Craigholme School
  • Cumbernauld Academy
  • Douglas Academy
  • Dumfries Academy
  • Hyndland Secondary
  • James Gillespie High School
  • Lenzie Academy
  • Linlithgow Academy
  • Marr College
  • Mearns Castle High School
  • Queensferry High School
  • St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School
  • St Leonards
  • Trinity Academy
  • Whitburn Academy
  • Woodmill High School 

Watch live

The finals will take place in the Parliament’s Debating Chamber from 4:50pm.

Contact information

Media information

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  • sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

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