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Candidates named ahead of voting opening for the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Posted on 31 Oct 2023

Eight young people have thrown their hats into the ring to play a vital part in the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP).

The campaign has started to find the next young representatives for Scotland, as the current two-year tenure comes to an end.

There are four candidates hoping to become Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) in both Cunninghame North and Cunninghame South – with just two seats available in each area.

MSYPs can help make young people’s voices heard at local and national level on a range of matters, from climate change and mental health to poverty and LGBT issues.

Those elected will act as a sounding board to amplify the views of young people across North Ayrshire’s six localities.

The four candidates for Cunninghame South are:

  • Emma Burns. Her main issues are economy, environment and health and well-being.

She said: “Voting for me will ensure that young people’s voices are heard and listened to. I care deeply about young people in our community and their rights. I will do everything in my power to make them feel valued and accepted, making a safe space to voice concerns and raise any issues."

  • Lee Fitzpatrick, who is focusing on health and well-being, democracy and culture and media.

Lee said: "I believe in young people and young people should believe in me. Young people want someone they can trust - who will respect them - and that person is me. I will represent and stand up for them on the national stage.”

  • Freya Fitzsimmons, who has young people’s rights, the environment and democracy in her sights.

"Every young person has the right to be heard, and I am determined to make sure that they know that and that all young people feel they can express their concerns and be taken seriously. I would advocate tirelessly for young people to create a brighter, greener future for all,” said Freya.

  • Brooke Ramsay, who will target equalities, the environment and health and well-being.

She said: “I have always admired the idea of leading young peopleand letting them become vocally active. I want young people to be aware of the issues that are in our community and have the encouragement to discuss these in a safe place.”

In Cunninghame North the candidates are:

  • Logan Gilmour, who plans to concentrate on equalities, health and well-being and poverty and inequality.

“As I stand for re-election, my goals remain the same - to ensure that the voice of every young person is heard, to reduce child poverty, remove the stigma around drug and alcohol use and promote equality for all,” said Logan.

  • Rhyan Gorrie will focus on poverty and inequality, health and well-being and transport.

Rhyan said:I am not just making promises. I'm dedicated to taking concrete action to improve the lives of people in our community. Together, we can build a brighter future for young people.”

  • Emma Henderson is targeting the issues of poverty and inequality, health and well-being and transport.

She explained: “I want to represent the young people to make sure their voices are heard. I also want to be a part of the change that affects young people across Scotland.”

  • Adam Johnson says equalities, health and well-being and democracy are his main issues.

“As a young person with a disability I have experience with mental health and disabilities. I put in the hard work and I am willing, determined, passionate and considerate – values that are good for an MSYP. I would represent everyone’s views and be a champion for young people.”

Voting will take place across all schools and communities from November 6 to 19.

Councillor Chloe Robertson, Young People’s Champion, is excited about the election and the competition for votes.

She praised all of the candidates for getting involved in this important part of the democratic process, saying: “Young people are at the heart of everything we do as a Council, and it is great to see these eight young people standing for election.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament offers young people an opportunity to have their say, speak up on important issues and genuinely make a difference.

“Candidates who are elected will enjoy a whole range of experiences and opportunities. Previous MSYPs have been to Holyrood and the Highlands, and have also shared their views at the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow and represented young people in the House of Commons at Westminster.

“I wish all eight candidates good luck, thank them for getting involved and look forward to the election. And I hope to see a great turnout of young people casting their votes.”

Young people can also vote online using their Young Scot card at Log In | Young Scot Voting

If a young person would like to vote but is not at school and doesn’t have a Young Scot card, a temporary number for voting is available by emailing youthwork@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

You can see the candidates’ full profiles here:

Cunninghame North - elections.syp.org.uk/elections/19/constituency/18/

Cunninghame South - elections.syp.org.uk/elections/19/constituency/1/