Winning words for Culloden pupils

Two pupils from Culloden Academy in Inverness have certainly got a winning way with words after coming top in the Highlands and Islands and Grampian Final of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Public Speaking Competition.

After a very confident performance in Elgin Sheriff Court on Monday 11 March, Lauren Parsons and Harry Ratcliffe will now represent their school and the Highlands at the national semi-final against Queen Anne High School at Dundee Sheriff Court later this month. It the duo wins this they will go forward to the county-wide final that will take place at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Their English teacher Dr. Greg Campbell said: “Lauren and Harry have worked incredibly hard, delivering powerful, passionate, and persuasive speeches to the judges on each occasion. I am delighted their efforts have been recognised with this award, both for themselves and for the school.”

Wishing them all the best as they prepare for the national semi-final in Dundee, Councillor John Finlayson, Chair of the Council’s Care, Learning and Housing Committee said: “For Lauren and Harry to do so well against stiff competition is a real achievement and reflects the hard work, time and effort they have given. It also reflects the support and encouragement of the school staff, their peers and their families and I am sure everyone is rooting for them to reach the national finals. Being able to confidently speak in public is a skill that will certainly benefit them throughout their lives and I wish them all the very best.”