Dewar Debate final takes place tonight

Students from four schools compete tonight in the final of this year's Donald Dewar memorial debate, Scotland's biggest debate tournament for schools.

Pupils from Douglas Academy, the High School of Dundee, Kelvinside Academy and Madras College will contest the top prize of £1,000, donated by the organisers, the Law Society of Scotland.

The event is being held in the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament, with Presiding Officer Ken MacIntosh chairing the debate.

Teams will debate the motion, "This house would deny smokers free access to healthcare".

The finalists have won through from 128 teams who entered the first round of the competition last November.

Graham Matthews, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: "All of the 128 schools who have taken part in this year's competition are to be congratulated and the four schools who have reached the final should be incredibly proud of themselves.

"It is an honour to host the final in the Parliament's debating chamber and I am very much looking forward to hearing what the students have to say. They have come up against some stiff competition and proven themselves as confident and skilled debaters."

In addition to the main prize, the Glasgow Bar Association are donating £250 to the runners-up. Hodder Gibson, the tournament's sponsors, will also be awarding the top two teams will £500 worth of educational books.