Inverness teens top speaking contest honours

TWO pupils from Culloden Academy have certainly got a winning way with words after coming top in a region-wide public speaking competition.

Lauren Parsons and Harry Ratcliffe will now represent their school and the region in the national semi final following their success in the Highlands and Islands and Grampian leg of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Public Speaking Competition.

If they see off the challenge of Queen Anne High School during the semi final at Dundee Sheriff Court later this month they will head to the High Court in Edinburgh for the national final.

Their 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, both for themselves and for the school.”

Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of the council’s learning committee, said: “It is a real achievement and reflects the hard work, time and effort they have given.”

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