Borders Councillors get a youthful view of local life
Friday, June 13 2008
Scottish Borders MSYPs (Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament) Iona Stevenson and Liam Beattie have had the chance to give their view of life in the Borders to SBC Councillors.
The budding young politicians gave a very well received presentation in the Council chamber on the work of the Scottish Youth Parliament, how they felt that its work could be expanded in the Borders and their plans to set up a Youth Council in the area, which would be a useful tool for a wide range of local organisations, including the Council, to engage with and gain the opinions of local people in their teens and early twenties.
They then faced a challenging question and answer session with the councillors which covered a wide range of topics and explored the MSYPs’ views on everything from public transport to alcohol and drugs.
Vice Convener of the Council, Councillor Ron Smith, said: “This was an excellent presentation, most competently prepared and delivered. Liam and Iona were very confident and made a number of relevant and interesting points. They also responded fluently and fully with the questions fired at them. All of the councillors present were hugely impressed and expressed a desire to work more closely with the MSYPs in the future.”
SBC’s Children’s Champion Councillor Frances Renton added: “I was delighted to help set up the presentation on behalf of Liam and Iona and was really pleased that they were so well received. It’s very important for us, as councillors, to work closely with young people where possible and to be aware of their hopes and wishes for their future life in the Borders as we represent everyone in the area, no matter what their age.”
Liam Beattie said: “We really want to be involved in the decision–making process so it was a great opportunity to come and talk to all of our local councillors in one place. We were really pleased that a lot of individual councillors spoke to us afterwards and offered their support for the work of the youth parliament and in local campaigns we are looking to run.”
Iona Stevenson commented: “We were both a bit nervous at first but the councillors were obviously very interested in what we had to say so Liam and I really enjoyed the experience. We did manage to steer clear of any political debate, however, as the youth parliament is an apolitical organisation! It was great to learn a bit more about how the Council works and we are looking forward to working more closely with the councillors in future. Our discussion was hopefully a sign of positive things to come.”
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