On February 24th, YSS had the privilege of hosting an in-person show-debate as part of our official launch. It has been all too long since we’ve been able to run a live-debating event, so it was appreciated by everyone that laptop cameras were swapped for podiums, tables, and chairs.
The two competing teams were comprised of the 5 current members of the Scottish National team: Eoghan Connolly (S6- Douglas Academy), Zainab Sardar (S6- Mearns Castle), Simon Ezra-Jackson (S6- George Watson’s), Emma Bell (S5- Broxburn Academy) and Sophie Hannigan (S4- St Columba’s), with former team member Freddy Simonet-Lefevre joining to even out the numbers.
The evening’s topic was an extremely topical one: “This house believes that military intervention does more harm than good”.
The 6 debaters were judged by an expert panel comprised of: Cameron Wyllie (former Trustee of ESU, and former headteacher at George Heriot’s, as well as former coach of the Scottish National Team), John McKee (WUDC finalist and former coach of the Scottish National Team) and Adam Mallis (current coach of the Scottish Development Team and Edinburgh University Debater)
A lively and well-balanced debate ensued with both sides making, refining, and contending points eloquently and respectfully. In the end, the judges awarded the debate to the opposition team. Whilst the judges were coming to their decision, the floor was opened up to the audience who were encouraged to engage with the topic at hand, with an open forum-style discussion occurring.
We were pleased to see many familiar faces in the form of ESU members and volunteers, and former team members from as far back as 1993, the year when Scotland finished as the runner-up at the World Championships in New Zealand.
It was wonderful to reconnect and see some in-person debating for the first time in years. This show debate will hopefully being the first of many this school year and beyond. If you are interested in partaking, volunteering at or just spectating similar events in the future, make sure to monitor the YSS website.
