Madras College are 2015 Dewar Debate champions

Pupils from Madras College are this year's schools debating champions after winning the final of the Law Society of Scotland’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament last night.

Jamie McLeod and Ewan Redpath were the judges' choice on the motion "This House would restrict media coverage of terrorist attacks" in the Scottish Parliament’s main chamber.

David Cameron and David Laird from Prestwick Academy were runners-up in their school's debut appearance in the competition.

Also contesting the final were Anna Michels and Richard Montgomery from St Mary’s Music School and Rachael Miller and Rhianna McGrath from Lanark Grammar.

Christine McLintock, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “I congratulate Jamie and Ewan for their outstanding performance – it really was impressive. Many congratulations must also go to the three other teams in the final. Getting to this stage is an incredible achievement, particularly when you consider that there were 128 teams in the opening rounds of this year’s tournament. All of our finalists should feel very proud of their success.

“It was a privilege for us to host the tournament final in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament once again. I would like to thank the Deputy Presiding Officer, Elaine Smith MSP, for such an excellent job in presiding over the final. Thanks too, go to our judges who had the challenging task of selecting the winning team.”

Pupils from the schools across Scotland that entered the tournament this year were among the audience for the final and took part in a floor debate. Craig McCulloch from Lanark Grammar was awarded the prize for his contribution.

The winning team was presented with the tournament trophy and £1,000 for their school from the Society. Runners up received £250 from the Glasgow Bar Association. All finalists received individual quaichs and certificates to commemorate their success and tournament sponsors, Hodder Gibson Publishers, donated educational books to the value of £500, to be shared by the winners and runners-up