The third public speaking competition for schools in Lanarkshire, organised by the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy, was held on 8th October 2021 at the Town House, Hamilton with the following schools taking part:
Biggar High School
Chryston High School
St Ambrose High School , Coatbridge
St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School , East Kilbride
The South Lanarkshire Instrumental Music Service opened and closed proceedings providing excellent musical entertainment for everyone present .
In the public speaking competition three pupils from each team spoke on the subject of ” Citizens in our Schools and Community ” and then answered questions posed by two pupils from another team .
The judging panel was chaired by Lord Hugh Matthews , Senator of the College of Justice and also included :
Honourable Lady Rita Rae , Rector of Glasgow University and former Senator of the College of Justice ;
Doctor Donald Reid , MB ChB MD FRCS ;
Mary McAllan , Director of Economic Development , Scottish Government ; and
Shirley Bartynek , Deputy Editor of the Hamilton Advertiser .
The standards achieved by all schools taking part were again exceptional focussing on the importance of citizenship and the benefits of immigration to the country . Winners of the trophy were St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School from East Kilbride .
Congratulations again to the four schools taking part in this third competition , all of the pupils participating should be very proud of their achievements and they were certainly all a credit to their respective schools
Special thanks are due to South Lanarkshire Council for hosting the event , master of ceremonies Sheriff Robert Dickson DL , organiser John McKenzie DL, the judging panel , the South Lanarkshire Instrumental Music Service and education staff who all worked so well as a team contributing to the success of the event .
Cover photograph shows the winning team from St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High with their trophy along with members of the other teams taking part , the judging panel and the Provosts of North and South Lanarkshire Councils . Photo courtesy of Douglas McKendrick – Hamilton Advertiser .
The winning team from St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School along with Vice Lord Lieutenant , Gavin Whitefield , Chair of the Judging Panel Lord Matthews and Provost of South Lanarkshire Council Ian McAllan .