The seventh public speaking competition for schools in Lanarkshire, organised by the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy, was held on 26th October 2023 at The Town House , Hamilton with the following schools taking part:
Airdrie Academy
Cathkin High School
Duncanrig Secondary School
Taylor High School
Three pupils from each team spoke on the subject of ” Citizenship in our Schools and Community ” and then answered questions posed by two pupils from another team .
The judging panel was chaired by former MSP Margaret Mitchell and also included :
Barry Wood CEO – Turnkey Computer Technology Ltd ;
Philip Grant – Recently Retired Chief Operating Officer at Lloyds Banking Group ; and
George Waterston – Managing Partner at LBG Waterston , Architects . .
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, presented by Lord Lieutenant Lady Haughey CBE were the Taylor High School team of :
Carah Higgins
Anna Lafferty
Thomas Reilly
Jack Hattie
Daniel Clark
Teachers – Mrs Barton and Mrs Muir .
Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Haughey CBE said ” All four teams had obviously researched Citizenship extremely well and thoroughly prepared their presentations . The high standards achieved were amazing and all of the pupils participating should be very proud of their contribution and they were certainly all a credit to their respective schools .
Special thanks are due to South Lanarkshire Council for hosting the event ,organiser Andy Braidwood DL, master of ceremonies Sheriff Robert Dickson DL and John McKenzie DL who has been the driving force behind this initiative and ensured it’s continuing growth and success , the judging panel and education staff who all worked so well as a team contributing to the success of the event “.