Bertie Summers MSYP will step down in September to start at university, after serving almost all of his original two-year term as one of two MSYPs for Shetland.
Bertie Summers said:
“I am standing down as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Shetland on 8th September 2025, to start my journalism studies at The University of Stirling.
“I have loved my time as one of Shetland’s two MSYPs and enjoyed representing my constituents on issues that matter, both inside and outside of Shetland. It has been a tremendous honour and a pleasure to articulate the views and concerns of the incredible young people who live here and make these islands as great as they are.
“A highlight for me was attending the 82nd sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament at the end of 2024 – the first sitting in seven years that was held in Holyrood – and where I voted on motions that young people had responded to in our surveys.
“My message to the next MSYPs is that they should be loyal and faithful towards the tasks ahead. This role is a huge privilege and it should always be recognised as a wonderful form of public service with important responsibilities. I wish my successors the very best in the future.
“Finally, I would like to thank my support worker, Sonny Thomason, and Martin Summers, both in the Council’s Youth & Employability Service; and Samantha Flaws, Director of Children’s Services, for all their help.”
In May this year, Joe Smith MSYP also stepped down from the role to take up an offer of employment. A by-election will soon take place to elect two new MSYPs for Shetland, with dates and arrangements announced soon. The Scottish Youth Parliament recently extended the term of office and MSYPs will now serve until November 2026.
- The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) was established on 30th June 1999 to raise the voices of all of Scotland’s young people. Democratically elected MSYPs across Scotland make Scotland a better place for young people to grow up by consulting young people, campaigning for change, and holding decision-makers to account. For more information please look up - https://syp.org.uk/