Grand Final of the Schools Junior Debating Competition

On the evening of Friday February 29th, in the auspicious surroundings of Lower Parliament Hall in St Andrews, the Grand Final of the Schools Junior Debating Competition, sponsored by The Courier and the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland, was held. Dollar contributed two of the final teams: Gavin Woolman (FIII) and Ruth Cameron (FII) winning through earlier rounds along with debating newcomers Anna George and Beth Hamilton (both FI). With over 30 schools and 72 individual teams competing, it was a significant accomplishment to make it all the way through to the final evening. Hosted by the student members of the University of St Andrews Debating Society, the Final motion was “This House would ban Gambling” and the Dollar teams found themselves on both sides of the table arguing, therefore, both for an end to gambling as a leisure pursuit and, from the other side of the table, for a more liberal and enlightened approach to lotteries, bookmakers and online gambling sites. The quality of the speeches round the table was as polished and sophisticated as would have been expected at such an event and the judges, including the distinguished author Mr Robin Pilcher, Mr Simon Thompson, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and Mr William Hutcheon, Editor of the Courier, had a hugely difficult job on their hands. In the end the trophy went to Morrison’s Academy “A” but Dollar’s team of Gavin Woolman and Ruth Cameron secured the runners up spot and the fantastic prize of an all expenses weekend trip to London. All teams were congratulated on their debating expertise and there is little question that all four Dollar finalists will continue to shine in debating circles in the years ahead.