Dollar Academy pupil helps Scotland talk their way to World title
Published 2 Feb 2012 08:00
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Dollar's Ruth Cameron with the rest of the Scotland team following their success at the World Schools Debating Championships.
A Dollar Academy pupil has returned triumphant from the 2012 World Schools Debating Championships.
Form VI teenager Ruth Cameron was part of the Scottish team that took the title in Cape Town, South Africa, last Thursday.
The tournament, which started on the 17 January, had 48 countries in attendance. Team Scotland put in a solid performance in every round, debating a wide range of subjects before meeting Wales in the final.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu chaired the concluding session and the motion "This House regrets South Africa's decision to use the Truth and Reconciliation Commission rather than prosecuting perpetrators of crimes committed under Apartheid" was debated.
This is the fourth time that Dollar pupils have been part of a winning Scottish team in the prestigious competition since its creation in 1988 in Australia.
Dollar Academy rector David Knapman was delighted with the result.
He said, "Debating is a very popular activity amongst pupils of all ages at Dollar.
"Ruth's performance was outstanding and we are all very proud of her achievements and her contribution to Scotland's success."
First Minister Alex Salmond was also impressed with the win. He said, "We Scots love a good argument and it is tremendous to see these talented youngsters exporting this skill to great effect, coming out on top in a championship fought for by representatives of dozens of countries across the globe.
"I know that the Scottish team has an excellent pedigree in this tournament, regularly finishing among the top ranked teams and last winning in 2007.
"Last year's participants visited me at Bute House and told me all about their third place finish in the event held in Dundee.
"This year's team have surpassed that magnificent achievement and I would like to commend them as fantastic ambassadors for Scotland on the world stage."
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 01 Feb 12
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