We are delighted to invite your school to take part in this year’s Highland Schools Debating Competition, taking place on Wednesday 18th June 2025 at the Council Chambers in Dingwall. The event is open to pupils from S1–S6, and we’re thrilled to once again be supported by Brodies LLP and the Highlands Council.
We will be able to send more information, including a full schedule, soon. If you would like to take part, please fill in this registration form.
The competition will be run in the BP debating format and will feature teams of two pupils (individual speakers are also welcome – we will assign them to composite teams). Our aim is to encourage schools new to debating to participate and we will therefore be sending resources to schools in the run-up to the event. We also have a few spaces available at our free Fort William and Nairn Speak Up Scotland workshops at the end of May.
We’re delighted that, thanks to Brodies’ support, we are able to offer the following prizes:
- £1000 for the winning school
- £300 for the runner-up school
- Book tokens for individual speakers
As part of their continued support for debating in schools, Brodies is also offering pupils the chance to tour Inverness Court, attend a live criminal court session, and meet a Sheriff. There are two dates available for this opportunity, each with 15 slots for pupils aged 14+: Wednesday 25th June and Wednesday 2nd July. Both days will have a 9:00am start.
If you have pupils interested in this opportunity, please email Amanda at events@youngspeakersscotland.org.uk with their names. Slots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
