Bishopbriggs make their mark in National Mock Trial

Pupils from Bishopbriggs Academy have been placed third and judged the best overall new team at the finals of the Bar Mock Trial Competition in London. 

The 10-strong team advanced to the finals, held at the Royal Courts of Justice over the weekend, after winning the Scottish heat in the competition. Along with their head teacher, Ian Donaghey, and teacher and coach Keith Gilmour, they were assisted by two members of the Faculty of Advocates, Kenneth Cloggie and Gareth Reid, who have mentored them throughout the competition.

Faculty has sponsored the Bar Mock Trial Competition for several decades, and members volunteer their time to mentor participating teams across Scotland each year.

Run by The Citizenship Foundation, the competition is open to 15 to 18-year-olds from non-fee paying schools in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students who take part are encouraged to think critically, build arguments, and boost their confidence, while developing an understanding of the role of law and the justice system.

Before the finals, the Bishopbriggs team met High Court and Appeal Court judge Sir Akhlaq Choudry, a former pupil at Bishopbriggs High School, one of two schools which merged to form Bishopbriggs Academy. He invited the team to his chambers where he spoke about his career path in the legal profession.

"Our team have loved this experience from the very start and are immensely grateful for the excellent mentoring we have received throughout. The pupils have been fascinated to learn how our criminal justice system works in jury trials and are thrilled to have been so successful in this year's final," said Mr Gilmour.