Scotland’s best high school debaters crowned in tense final

2023 Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament champions Ruby Ferguson (left) and Emma Bell with Law Society of Scotland Past President Murray Etherington and Glasgow Bar Association Vice President Tracey Mulholland.

Scotland’s best high school debaters have been crowned, with two pupils from Broxburn Academy winning the 2023 final of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament.

The team of Emma Bell and Ruby Ferguson from Broxburn triumphed over strong competition from the three other finalist teams from Albyn School, Balfron High School and George Watson’s College during the finale held last night at Edinburgh Napier University.

The four teams were assessed as they debated the motion: This house supports government intervention to prevent gentrification.

Balfron High School debated against Albyn School in the first round, followed by a second high quality debate between George Watson’s College and Broxburn Academy. The judging panel selected Balfron High School’s Harry Baird and Jasper Burnside as runners-up while praising all participants on the night.

Law Society of Scotland Past President Murray Etherington attended the final and was on hand to congratulate all pupils from the 64 schools that participated across the tournament.

Mr Etherington said: “Congratulations to Emma and Ruby on becoming our 2023 champions. The judging panel had a tough choice to make as Broxburn won out against stiff competition from three formidable rivals.

“It was a privilege to be on hand to witness such an exciting contest and high standard of debating, with strong arguments well made by all eight pupils competing in the final. More than 120 pupils participated across the tournament, and all should be proud to have been involved.

First prize is £1,000 and a trophy plate for Broxburn Academy, donated by our headline sponsor Hodder Gibson Publishing, while second-placed Balfron High School receives £250 thanks to the Glasgow Bar Association. The two schools will also share educational books to the value of £500 provided by Hodder Gibson.

All finalists received a commemorative plate to mark their success.

There was also a floor debate for school pupils in the audience, who had competed in previous rounds. The floor prize winners were Emily Pool from Dunfermline High School and John Styles from Albyn School, who each received a £50 book voucher.

Law Society Past President Murray Etherington and Glasgow Bar Association Vice President Tracey Mulholland with 2023 Dewar debate runners-up Harry Baird (left) and Jasper Burnside from Balfron High School.