Students raise the bar at National Mock Trials Competition

The winning team with Lord Mulholland

 

SCOTLAND'S  most senior lawyers were treated to an impressive display of future advocacy talent as students aged 15 to 18 competed in the Scottish heat of the National Mock Trials Competition, at Glasgow’s historic High Court.

This year’s event was won by Boclair Academy, Bearsden, who pipped first-time entrants Woodmill High School, Dunfermline, in the final.

Lord Mulholland presided over the criminal trial and formally presented the award, which was organised by Young Citizens.

Students from Boclair Academy will now go forward to represent Scotland at the UK-wide finals, which will take place in Edinburgh in March.

Craig Findlater, Advocate, and the competition’s Co-ordinator in Scotland, said: “The mock trials event is a fantastic opportunity for school pupils to see what life within the High Court of Justiciary is like.

“The chance to test their mettle in criminal trials before a real judge and some of our most senior silks is one which the school pupils enjoy.

"As ever, I wish to thank everyone who contributed and gave their time to allow this great event to take place, and a huge congratulations to all of the school pupils who prepared for this event so well, and displayed courtcraft of the highest order.”

Gordon Jackson QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said: “The high level of talent displayed in Glasgow shows that the future of Scotland’s legal services is in the very safest of hands.

"The Faculty of Advocates makes every effort to support future talent, and we look forward to welcoming these students through our doors as they progress in their legal careers.”