TWO PUPILS from Morrison’s Academy in Crieff last emerged victorious from the grand final of the Courier-Chartered Institute of Bankers In Scotland Schools Junior Debating Competition.

Emma Robertson and Ruth Thomson, Morrison’s A team, showed tremendous skill during an enthralling evening that featured wit, fiery discussion, lightning-quick reactions and at times just pure entertainment as the teams debated, “This House Would Ban Gambling”.

In the process Emma and Ruth won themselves the highly-prized trophy, and a holiday to the USA, with runners-up Gavin Woolman and Ruth Cameron, of Dollar Academy B, securing a holiday in London.

The imposing Lower Parliament Hall at St Andrews University was again the venue for an event that began months ago when 72 teams from 33 schools launched their campaigns.

Last night’s event showed something of a collection of expertise in two of the schools, with Morrison’s and Dollar each having two teams reach the final six, and they were joined by Robert Gordon’s College B and St John’s High A, Dundee.

Last night’s proceedings marked the 20th anniversary of the competition, and all of the pupils, aged from 11 to 14, proved that enthusiasm for the whole adventure has not dimmed over the past two decades.

The wide- ranging discussion eventually resulted in an overwhelming vote against the proposition, and perhaps fittingly the winning team was on the correct side of the vote.

Emma and Ruth put forward convincing arguments, including the contention that any ban on gambling would hand over “a golden black market to criminals,” and that vulnerable people would be protected if gambling activity is kept in the open.

A music lover and keen traveller, Emma plans to visit every country in the world, while Ruth would like to become either an actress or a jockey.

Among last night’s distinguished judging panel was a former winner of the grand final, Mhairi Murdoch, who represented Grove Academy in 2000.

She has since gone on to represent Cambridge University in the Grand Final of the World Universities Debating Championships, which is widely regarded as the ultimate debating competition.

The other judges were Ewan MacDonald, the European Universities Debating Championships Break Judge, Mr Simon Thompson, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland, distinguished author Robin Pilcher, Courier editor Bill Hutcheon, Professor Chris Smith, the proctor and provost of St Leonard’s College at the University of St Andrews, and Beth Connor, a multiple inter-varsity finalist.

Before the prizes were presented Mr Thompson paid tribute to everyone who had taken part, and he said that debating helps people to think quickly and organise their thoughts, and is a “fabulous foundation for all walks of life”.

He quipped that like Northern Rock he would like to pass on the responsibility for making difficult decisions, and he asked Mr Pilcher, who was to describe the whole experience of the evening as “fantastic”, to announce the final prizewinners.

The speaker for the evening’s debate was Thomas Cahn, the president and convener of the University of St Andrews Union Debating Society.