Pupils from Scotland have won a global competition in debating this week.

Representing Scotland, secondary pupils competing in the World Schools Debating Championships in Belgrade last night, did their country proud by storming to the final and taking the top prize.

The annual English language debating tournament for high school teams consisted of 68 teams, of which Scotland was initially ranked 11th for 2024.

However, the five Scottish pupils have climbed up the rankings all the way to the top spot, claiming first place in the most prestigious schools debating tournament in the world.

The team consisted of Miya Turner from Portobello High School, Sophie Hannigan and Callum Hendry from St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm, Lena Zielinksa from Broxburn Academy, and Logan Moss from Dollar Academy. 

Logan said: “The experience we had will, I’m sure, prove unforgettable.

"To be able to meet people from a range of different countries and cultures who, nonetheless, shared our passion for what we often feel to be a slightly odd, niche activity was one thing; but more than this was being able to know that, in spite of the polarisation and social media-based wrangling that seems to have devoured today’s world, there is still a place - among the young - for reasoned, critical discussion.

"This is something from which we can all benefit, and I’m honoured to say that I have.”

On their way to the final in the knock out rounds Scotland beat New Zealand, Pakistan, England and Qatar, having qualified in 4th place in the Preliminary 8 rounds.

The motion in the final was THR the glorification of Champions, as Scotland defeated the opposition of Bulgaria.

They were coached by Jamie Beverstock, Maxine Muirhead and Jordan Pfotenhauer, and have since been hailed from political figures across the country including First Minister John Swinney.

He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Warmest congratulations to Team Scotland who have won the World Schools Debating Championships.

The University of Edinburgh's Lesley Stark also highlighted Scotland's strong debating history. 

She wrote on Twitter/X: "This is an amazing achievement for these pupils. Debating is a skill that is important in many professions (academic writing is about arguing your case). I am very pleased this is being promoted in Scottish schools."

Coach Jamie Beverstock said: “Coaching these five brilliant teenagers was a privilege. They worked tirelessly for years to achieve this result, giving up their evenings and weekends to take part in training sessions and competitions.

"They kept their cool throughout the extremely high-stakes competition, never letting their nerves get the better of them.

Debating is an invaluable educational tool and I hope this result encourages more Scottish young people to take it up.”