Image caption: The Scottish team celebrates after beating Bulgaria in the final
6 hours ago
Scotland won the World Schools Debating Championship for the fifth time, winning the tournament in Serbia.
The Scottish team, selected from four schools, defeated New Zealand, Pakistan, England and Qatar to set up a match against Bulgaria in the final.
The victory in Belgrade made Scotland the joint second most successful team in the tournament’s history, behind Australia, who have won it nine times.
First Minister John Swinney offered his “wholesome congratulations” to the pupils.
The team was made up of Logan Moss from Dollar Academy, Miya Turner from Portobello High School, Lena Zielinksa from Broxburn Academy, and Sophie Hannigan and Callum Hendry from St Columba’s in Kilmacolm.
The tournament began in 1988 and Scotland have won in 1990, 1999, 2007 and 2012.
Image caption: Callum, Sophie and Logan reflecting on their win beside the trophy
Scotland recorded a resounding 7–2 victory in the final, with the statement that “This House regrets the honour of champions”.
Callum, who trained five hours a week alongside his school studies, told BBC Scotland News he couldn’t believe he was world champion.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” he said.
Sophie said the team had to play eight rounds before the knockout stage, a schedule that had its “ups and downs.”
But, she added, “As the matches went on we got stronger and stronger and by the time of the semi-final and final we felt we were very strong.”
And, reflecting on the final debate, Logan joked: “We’ve said we shouldn’t praise our champions but it’s a bit ironic considering he’s being interviewed by the BBC with the trophy next to him.”
Swinney was one of several politicians and celebrities to congratulate the team on social media.
Writing to X, the First Minister offered his “heartfelt congratulations to the Scottish team on winning the World Schools Debating Championships.”
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross posted: “A fantastic result. Congratulations to the world champions, Scotland.”
