Scottish Youth Parliament Elections: Call for candidates

09 August 2023 at 09:19:47

Are you aged between 14 and 25 and interested in representing young people in the Western Isles at the Scottish Youth Parliament?

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is the democratic voice of Scotland's young people. Their vision for Scotland is of a nation that actively listens to and values the meaningful participation of its young people.

Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, also known as MSYPs, are democratically elected every two years and the next SYP election will take place in November 2023.

Alannah Logue is the current MSYP for the Western Isles and was elected in a by-election in Spring 2022. Since then, Alannah has represented the young people of the Western Isles at various engagements including National SYP Sittings, The Western Isles Climate Action Network, Ferries Community Board and Scottish Parliament Net Zero Committee. Alannah regularly attends the Comhairle's Education, Sport and Childrens Services Committee meetings and is the Convenor of the SYP Culture and Media Committee.

On the announcement of the upcoming elections Alannah reflected on the last year "My time as an MSYP has been amazing! I have gained so many new connections both locally and nationally. It's a youth organisation like no other, not what I was used to at first, but it has become a massive part of my life. I have had countless opportunities to speak and campaign about issues affecting young people, it's really opened my eyes to how important youth voice is to Scotland. I have had many different opportunities though SYP and made lifelong friends, who are passionate, kind, and inspirational. If you are thinking about becoming an MSYP, I would 100% encourage you to take the leap, you won't regret it!"

The Western Isles has two seats available at the Scottish Youth Parliament. If you are interested in representing the Western Isles and wish to stand in the upcoming SYP election you can complete an Expression of Interest form Expression of Interest form

Prospective candidates have until 31st August to register their interest in standing to become an MSYP. Young people will then receive training to help them develop their skills before they launch their election campaigns in the autumn.

Cllr Norrie Macdonald (Youth Champion) said "'There are many things that we see all around us that we don't like, don't agree with, and wish we could change. Things that we think could be done differently or better, things that aren't getting done at all. We jump onto social media platforms or rant about them to our friends. Nothing changes until/unless YOU get involved and have a voice that gets heard. Society isn't other people. It's all of us. All of you. Raise your voice!"

The SYP's mission is to provide a national platform for young people to discuss the issues that are important to them, and campaign for changes to the nation that they live in. MSYPs listen to and recognise the issues that are most important to young people in every community and ensure that decision-makers listen to their voices.Cllr Paul Finnegan, Chair of Education, Sport and Children's Services Committee added "I would encourage young people to stand for election because politics is life. It affects everything we do. So if you want to change things in your life, then it will be political decisions that do that".

The role of a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament is voluntary and all costs to attend Sittings and required events will be provided. Thanks to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Members for their continued support for MSYPs.

For further information please email: youngscot@cne-siar.gov.uk