Scullion Law: Press Release – Duncanrig Secondary School Wins Scullion LAW Debating Cup 2017

Duncanrig Secondary pupils proudly scoop the Scullion LAW Debating Cup 2017 from reigning champions Holy Cross at the Lanarkshire School’s Debating Cup Final on Wednesday 22 November.

Kate Kane and Alison Balmer from Duncanrig Secondary in East Kilbride fought FOR the motion ‘This House Believes Humans are too dependent on Computers’ and won by a majority vote against reigning champions Holy Cross, Hamilton.

Holy Cross pupils Marie –Therese Kerr and Niamh Gallacher spoke AGAINST the above motion.

All pupils who took part in the 8th successful Scullion LAW Lanarkshire School’s Debating Cup should be very proud of their achievements, having the confidence, passion, presence and enthusiasm to argue their points in front of such a large and esteemed audience.

Shanna McDiarmid, Practice Manager of Scullion LAW, said:

“We were delighted to have such a great turn out at the final from across the community, with over 30 guests showing their support. We welcomed lots of pupils, individuals, their friends and families to the South Lanarkshire Council HQ. We were thrilled that the head teachers from both schools came along, as well as a few pupils from the other schools across North and South Lanarkshire as well as the Provost of South Lanarkshire Ian McAllan and the Depute Provost, Tom Castles of North Lanarkshire.

“We would like to thank the judges Kirsty Buchan from Scullion LAW, and Ian Leitch CBE as well as the representative from the Debating Society of Glasgow University. We would warmly like to congratulate Kate and Alison on their excellent achievement and we would also like to thank South Lanarkshire Council HQ for hosting. We would also like to thank Tunnock’s from Uddingston who provide treats for the pupils and families every year. It really was a great night.

“This year we were particularly grateful of the entertainment provided on the night by Brandon Stein from Holy Cross and Laura Galasso from Duncanrig. We are always happy to welcome more schools so if anyone is particularly interested then please get in touch with us via facebook. This year 10 schools took part which is evidence that the competition is going from strength to strength.”

Ms J Whiteford, Principal Teacher of English at Duncanrig secondary said:

“We are delighted for and proud of Kate and Alison in winning the Scullion LAW Debating Cup Competition. Debating is not for the faint hearted and the two of them have gone into every round of the competition with the courage and poise needed to get them to the final. To have won overall against such a high quality team from Holy Cross High School is truly a wonderful achievement.”

Nicholas Scullion said:

“We can’t believe the competition is now in its 8th year and we want to thank the pupils, parents, teachers and schools for all the effort that everyone has put in. It is our honour to be working in partnership with the local schools. We at Scullion LAW think it important as part of our continued commitment to the community to recognize and reward the talented youth in our society by giving them a platform to voice their opinions. It was so inspiring to see these young, bright pupils from both Holy Cross and Duncanrig speak so eloquently for and against the motion which is so current. Each team raised some great points of views and provided the audience with food for thought but Duncanrig won by the majority vote. All pupils who took part should be proud of themselves, they are an asset to our community and our door at Scullion LAW is always open to you, your friends and family.”

Tracey McDermott of South Lanarkshire council said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Scullion LAW to host this event. The competition showcases the wealth of talent across north and south lanarkshire schools. The pupils are able to express their opinions on issues that shape our world with confidence. These people in front of us are our FUTURE and the experiences they have gained in this competition, having the ability to articulate themselves are key life skills that will equip them for life.”