Scotland triumph in World Schools Debating Championships

Scotland recorded a resounding 7-2 victory in the grand final on the motion: “This house regrets the glorification of champions”.

Callum, who trained for five hours a week while juggling his school work, told BBC Scotland News that he could not believe he was a world champion.

He said: “It has still not really set in.”

Sophie said the team had to negotiate eight rounds before the knock out stages, a schedule that featured “ups and downs”.

But she added: “As the competition progressed we got stronger and stronger and by the time of the semi-finals and the final I did feel that we were very strong.”

And, reflecting on the final debate, Logan joked: “We were saying that champions shouldn’t be glorified, which is slightly ironic given we are doing a BBC interview with a trophy next to us.”

Mr Swinney was among several politicians and public figures who congratulated the team on social media.

Writing on X the first minster said: “Warmest congratulations to Team Scotland who have won the World Schools Debating Championships.”

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross posted: “An outstanding result. Congratulations to the World Champions – Team Scotland.”