Robert Gordon debaters make Parliament final

12.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th May 2008

North East MSP Alison McInnes hailed Robert Gordon's College junior debating team ahead of their appearance at Holyrood in the final of the ESU Juniors contest.

Mrs McInnes said: "This is a remarkable achievement by the pupils involved, seeing off competition from across the country. I wish them every success in the finals.

A record breaking 128 teams from across Scotland entered this year's tournament. Around the country, 49 rounds have taken place so far with four teams remaining.

Having written to the team to congratulate them on their success, Mrs McInnes added: "I can't help wondering whether some of the contestants will be making their first of many appearances at the Scottish Parliament."

ESU Scotland is hosting the ESU Juniors Final on Saturday 31st May in Committee Room 1 of The Scottish Parliament. The debate will start at 2pm but we are hosting a lunch from 12.30pm.

The ESU Juniors 2007/8, sponsored by ASDA, has been the biggest Juniors tournament yet. The Juniors is the largest debating tournament in the UK that is specifically aimed at S1-S3 school pupils.