The corridors of schools in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have played host to many a great debate over the years – but this week we’re showcasing those who have taken it to a more official level.
This week we’ve dug through the archives for pictures of times school pupils in the north-east have hit the headlines for taking part in competitive debating.
It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that a part of the world that can argue into the wee hours of the night about whether it’s called a rowie or a buttery has produced some of the country’s great debaters.
In conjunction with the University of Aberdeen, the Press and Journal used to run an annual competition which would award secondary pupils with a trip as a prize.
Separately, pupils from the north-east have travelled across the country to represent their schools and to showcase their talent for debating on the national stage.
Some have even brought home a trophy to the north-east.
Were you in a debating team? Do you spot yourself or a friend in the gallery? Let us know!
1978 – Karen Urquhart, left, and Fiona Gaskin were representing St Margaret’s School for Girls.
1980 – Pupils who took part in the sixth heat of The Press and Journal/Aberdeen University debater contest at Peterhead Academy in November 1980.
1989 – Pupils taking part in the Press and Journal Schools Debating Competition at Robert Gordon’s College.
1988 – Rivals from schools across the north-east gathered at Albyn School for a 1988 contest.
1984 – Competitors ready to do battle at a contest at Albyn School for Girls in February 1984.
1988 – Pupils taking part in a debating event at Banff Academy were, back row, from left: Fiona McWhirr, Norman Meldrum, Banff Academy; Lynette Allen, Lucy Anderson, Kingussie High; Nikki Byron, Fiona Simpson, Thurso A. Front: Karen Harris, Robert Mackenzie, Thurso B; Elizabeth-Ann Webster, Ewan Lacey, Peterhead; Scott Forrester, Stephen Crawford, Ellon Academy.
1987 – 1987 – Heading for a long weekend in London were Banff Academy pupils Norman Meldrum and Fiona McWhirr, runners-up in the final of the schools debating competition organised by the Press and Journal and Aberdeen University. The two were accompanied by English teacher Miss Alison Johnston, right.
1980 – Despite a broken arm and leg, Spean Bridge lad John Godfrey travelled to the Mitchell Hall, Aberdeen, for a debating contest. Stuart Hepburn, Peterhead, signs his cast, while other competitors wait their turn.
1987 – Banff Academy’s Norman Meldrum and Fiona McWhirr receive the Gateway Cup for the best novice team from Mr George Oliphant, Aberdeen manager of Gateway Building Society.
1978 – Elgin Academy’s Diane Lawrie and Ann Davidson took part in the English Speaking Union’s debating contest.
1977 – Line up of contestants at Harlaw Academy, Aberdeen, for the Press and Journal/ Aberdeen University debating contest, which was won by Aberdeen Grammar School.
1981 – Smiles from the winners of The Press and Journal/Aberdeen University debating contest, Dawn Philip and Murdo Macleod, as they board a Dan Air flight for their prize trip to London.
1980 – From left, Lorna Charles, Anne Ward and Shirley Spain were the first winners of a Great Britain debating trophy at an International Toastmistress Conference.
1979 – These teams took part in The Press and Journal and Aberdeen University Debater at Albyn School for Girls.
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