Kirkcaldy High School have been crowned the East of Scotland winners of the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Public Speaking Competition for 2016.
In a closely fought contest held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this month, Kirkcaldy High beat other regional winners from Braes High School in Falkirk and James Gillespie’s from Edinburgh to lift the coveted shield and title.
The Kirkcaldy High team of Kyle Pitcaithly and Umar Mohammed were praised by the judges for the clarity of their argument and presentation, their excellent teamwork and their use of humour.
The judging panel, led by Procurator Fiscal for Edinburgh Adrian Cottam, was also impressed by the way the Kirkcaldy team engaged with their audience.
The theme of the evening was marriage – specifically whether marriage in Scotland is an outdated institution.
In the previous round, the plight of refugees and the impact of the media had been discussed.
Derek Allan, rector of Kirkcaldy High School, said that he was exceptionally proud of the boys and added that they were are credit to their school and their families.
“It really is quite an achievement considering the boys have had no experience of speaking in public until quite recently,” he added.
Kirkcaldy High School will now go on to represent East of Scotland schools in the national final, which will be held at the High Court in Edinburgh on June 1.
They will compete against the winners from the West and North regions.