A young comedian had politicians in stitches at a recent joke competition.
Primary six pupil Scott MacLeod, from Houston Primary School, represented Renfrewshire at the VoiceBox grand final, a national joke-telling competition held at the Scottish Parliament.
The competition, organised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), is designed to raise awareness about the importance of early speech, language, and communication development.
Read more: Renfrew band appoints 16-year-old as youngest-ever conductor
Scott was one of 32 finalists, each representing a different local authority in Scotland.
Finalists performed their jokes live in front of an audience of MSPs, families, and supporters.
The competition, organised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), followed a nationwide call for entries that saw thousands of jokes submitted from primary schools across the country.
It was designed to raise awareness about the importance of early speech, language, and communication development.
Glenn Carter, head of RCSLT Scotland, said: "While the event is full of joy and laughter, its purpose is serious.
"Speech, language and communication are essential skills that underpin a child’s learning, relationships, and long-term opportunities.
"VoiceBox shines a light on this by showing just what children can achieve when they’re supported to express themselves."
The 2025 final marks the second year VoiceBox has been hosted at the Scottish Parliament.
It was launched in January on Blue Monday, a date chosen to lift spirits and kick off joke competitions in classrooms across Scotland.
Ezra Pasifull, a primary three pupil from Oakbank Primary School in Perth and Kinross, was named Scotland’s funniest young comedian.
He won the title with the joke: "I bought 10 bees but the beekeeper gave me 11 bees.
"I asked him why there is an extra bee and he said, because that one’s a 'Free Bee!'"
The final was hosted by the Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, and compered by BBC journalist and comedian Zara Janjua.
Rt Hon Alison Johnstone said: "It was a pleasure to welcome so many young people from across Scotland to their Parliament.
"Following a strong nationwide competition, I want to congratulate all our finalists.
"The effort, imagination and thought that went into their contributions was extremely impressive.
"I’m pleased that once again the Parliament was able to support such a worthwhile competition."
Read more: Renfrewshire Boys' Brigade members earn President's Badge
All 32 finalists received £100 worth of books from sponsors Collins Big Cat, the UK’s leading whole-school primary reading programme.
The overall winner’s school received £500 worth of Collins Big Cat books.
The runner-up, Freya McVie Branley from St Winning’s Primary School in North Ayrshire, and third-place winner, Craig Speirs from Shortlees Primary School in East Ayrshire, received £200 worth of books for their schools.
The top three finalists were also awarded toy gift cards – £100 for the winner, £75 for second place, and £50 for third place.
Share