New Member of Scottish Youth Parliament confirmed for Western Isles

16 December 2021 at 15:43:42

Samantha Jordan from Uist has been confirmed as the new Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) representing the Western Isles.

MSYPs are not affiliated to any political parties but are concerned with improving the lives of the young people in their constituency. Samantha will take over from Sakshi Ortchison and Maria McGoldrick. 

"I decided to stand as MSYP for the Western Isles as, although we are a group of islands at the top of Scotland, it shouldn't mean that we are disadvantaged. I want to make sure that young people in the islands still have a fair shot at life." Samantha, a 6th Year pupil in Sgoil Lionacleit, said "I feel so ecstatic now that I have been confirmed as MSYP and cannot wait to start my role in March."

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) provides a national platform for young people to discuss issues important to them and bring about the change they wish to see. SYP runs regular campaigns, which have recently had themes such as mental health and climate action, and members are involved with consultations with many organisations, including the Scottish Government.

Samantha will take up her position in Spring 2022 and represents the Western Isles at the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) for two years.

Following the announcement, Cllr Paul Steele (Chair of Education, Sport & Children Services Committee) said, "Congratulations to Samantha on becoming our new MSYP. She has been an active member of the Island Voices youth group, which I attend, as well as becoming Head Girl in Sgoil Lionacleit. This is a fantastic opportunity for her to represent the young people of the Western Isles at a national level and I'm sure she'll do a great job. We have one further MSYP position that's currently vacant, so if you are interested in working alongside Samantha and the Scottish Youth Parliament, please get in touch with Community Learning and Development for more information on what the role involves."

The Western Isles has two seats at the Scottish Youth Parliament, and it is expected that a by-election will be run early in 2022 to elect a second MSYP. Any young person aged 14-25 who is interested in finding out more about the Scottish Youth Parliament can get in touch with Community Learning and Development (CLD) by emailing: youngscot@cne-siar.gov.uk.

Further information will be shared on the Western Isles Youth Services Facebook and Instagram page.