Young people in Shetland aged 14 to 25 are being invited to put themselves forward for election as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs).
MSYPs represent other young people in their local community and are elected every two years – there are two each for every Scottish Parliament constituency, including Shetland.
Prospective candidates have until Monday 31st July 2023 to register their interest to stand to become an MSYP. They will then receive training to help them develop their skills over the summer before they launch their election campaigns in the autumn.
Elections will take place across Scotland between Monday 6th and Sunday 19th November, for young people to elect their representatives for the next two years.
John Fraser and Michaela Christie have been Shetland’s MSYPs since 2020. They have attended Scottish Parliament at sittings, listened to young people’s views on a wide range of issues, attended meetings of Shetland Islands Council’s Childrens and Families Committee, and represented young people on various platforms.
Mollie McGoran MSYP, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament said:
“We’re excited to launch our elections for people aged 14 to 25 across the country to stand to become MSYPs, ahead of our 25th anniversary as the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people in 2024. This is a chance to join a uniquely youth-led organisation to campaign for change on the important issues that young people care about.
“As well as giving a voice to children and young people, MSYPs will also build their confidence and learn new skills all whilst having fun and making friends along the way.”
Davie Sandison, Chair of the Council’s Education and Families Committee, said:
“John and Michaela have made valuable contributions in their time as MSYPs, and have very capably represented the interests of young people in Shetland. I’m enthusiastic about involving young people in decision-making and we will continue to support MSYPs in the work of the Council. I’d urge anyone who interested in being the voice of youth in our community to think about putting themselves forward and standing for the forthcoming SYP elections”
Young people interested in standing for election to the SYP can find out more and register online at syp.org.uk/elections
The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people and is a charity registered in Scotland. More details at: www.syp.org.uk