Ronan represents Orkney at national joke telling competition

North Walls pupil, Ronan McGeehan, was among 28 primary schoolchildren from across Scotland who had MSPs in fits of laughter as they highlighted the importance of speech and language therapy at the inaugural VoiceBox joke telling competition hosted at the Scottish Parliament last week. (Thursday 6 June) 

Ronan received a medal and a goodie-bag for reaching the final, as well as £100 worth of books from HarperCollins, which were gifted to all 28 finalists. 

His joke “What do you call a singing laptop?” “A Dell!” was pipped by the competition winner, Gordon Moodie from East Lothian with “Why did the donkey go to the shops? Cause he had hee haw in the hoose!” 

Gordon received £500 worth of books for their school from competition sponsor Collins Big Cat, the leading whole-school primary reading programme. 

Runner-up Zara Scott (Primary 2 at Newport Primary in Fife) received £200 worth of Collins Big Cat books for her school, as did Gregor Agnew (Primary 6 at Lincluden Primary in Dumfries and Galloway) and Ismail Iqbal (Primary 7 at Newarthill Primary in North Lanarkshire), who were named in joint third place. 

All four winners were also presented with toy gift cards. 

The final was hosted by Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, with Zara Janjua, a BBC journalist and comedian, compering. 

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapist’s (RCSLT) VoiceBox competition is designed to highlight the critical role communication plays in a child’s development and the impact speech and language therapy has on their future. VoiceBox aims to shine a light on the power of communication, early language and communication development and the importance of early intervention. 

Glenn Carter, Head of RCSLT Scotland, said: "VoiceBox goes beyond entertainment; it highlights the vital role of speech and language therapy in empowering children to express themselves. It was brilliant to see all the kids here, and the RCSLT is thrilled to have brought VoiceBox to the Scottish Parliament, where it received such enthusiastic support. 

“The joy and laughter shared today highlight the power of communication and the importance of nurturing it in our young people."