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Charleston Academy win public speaking contest

Cameron Cochrane and Morvern Carmichael with their trophy
Cameron Cochrane and Morvern Carmichael with their trophy

Pupils from Charleston Academy have been crowned winners of a prestigious public speaking competition organised by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

The youngsters were challenged to debate against two other schools, from Fife and Glasgow, in the final staged at the High Court in Glasgow.

The topic was “Gender equality in Scotland? No Chance”.

The annual competition is aimed to encourage young people from across Scotland to consider and discuss diversity and equality issues affecting them and their communities and to develop their skills in the art of public speaking, argument and persuasion.

It has also provided a forum for prosecutors to hear the views of young people on issues which relevant to the Crown Office’s work.

The judges were Lesley Thomson QC, solicitor general for Scotland, Alex Prentice QC, principal Crown Counsel and John Dunn, procurator fiscal for the east of Scotland.

Presenting the trophy to the winners, Ms Thomson said: “I am proud to be here presiding over our first national final and delighted with the way that this competition has grown in size since its inception in 2012.

“The competition encourages pupils to address equality issues that directly affect them and other young people and provides an excellent opportunity for pupils to start their journey as confident public speakers and to share their experiences, history and views in a public forum.”

“The standard of competition for this final has been incredible and I understand that those competing throughout the year have demonstrated how impressively innovative, talented and intelligent young Scottish people are.

“Charleston Academy may have been the winners on the night but all of the pupils, their teachers, family and friends can be proud of their achievements.

“Well done to all of those who have been involved in this year’s competition.”