Two students from Culloden Academy in Inverness have their eyes firmly on the prize after progressing to the national finals of a public speaking competition.
Harry Ratcliffe and Lauren Parsons have successfully navigated their route through to the national final of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Public Speaking Competition, where they will fly the flag for the Grampian and Highlands and Islands regions.
Culloden Academy English teacher Dr Greg Campbell said: “As both their classroom teacher and debating and public speaking coach, I continue to be impressed by the confidence and composure Harry and Lauren exhibit when speaking about complex and controversial topics in very formal environments.
“The skills they are developing will help them here in the classroom and also in the wider world of work in the years to come where I am excited to see what they will contribute to society.”
Neither Mr Ratcliffe or Miss Parsons have competed in public speaking events before, with their final appearance set for Parliament House in Edinburgh in front of the Lord Advocate next month.
After intensely being questioned by judges during the semi-final, which covered the motion of prison not being the answer for women, the duo are well prepared for their big day in the nation’s capital.
Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of the Highland Council’s Care, Learning and Housing Committee added: “It is remarkable that this is the first year Lauren and Harry have done any public speaking so to get to the final in such a prestigious competition is a huge achievement.
“I am sure all the whole school will be rooting for them and I wish them the very best for the finals.”