Youth Parliament

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is the democratically elected voice of Scotland's young people.

Purpose of the Scottish Youth Parliament

It is a young people's parliament, designed by young people and led by young people for the benefit of young people.

They are committed to ensuring young people are heard by the decision makers of Scotland and are determined to campaign on the issues which matter most to Scotland's youth.

Current representatives for the Scottish Borders

• Toby Piper-Lewins and Emily Tweddle are the Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament for the Constituency of Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire
• Alexandra Waterston-law is the Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for the Constituency of Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale

The Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament are supported by staff from Scottish Borders Youth Voice to attend sittings and to deliver and develop local and national campaigns.

Elected representative roles

• in the Scottish Borders we have three elected representatives serving as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs)
• the MSYP's are elected by their peer group and serve for a two year term
• MSYP's attend three sittings of the Scottish Youth Parliament in each year, and can also sit as members or conveners of committee groups
• as well as the SYP campaigns and consultations, your local MSYPs will also look at holding consultations and campaigns on issues specific to the Scottish Borders. So if you have any issues you know are affecting young people in the Borders get in touch. Contact youth@scotborders.gov.uk 

Scottish Youth Parliament Manifesto 2026-2031

Every five years, in line with Scottish Parliament elections, SYP produces and publishes a new manifesto.

The 2026-31 manifesto was launched in September 2025.

2024-2026 Campaigns

We work to bring your voices to decision makers and design innovative, youth led campaigns to proactively create the changes you want to see. 

This year, our members have selected three national campaign priorities. These are:

• Increase mental health training and education
• Invest in and protect youth work services
• End gender-based violence

Find out more information on the SYP website.

More information

To contact your local MSYP or find out more about the Scottish Youth Parliament, contact Scottish Borders Youth Voice youth@scotborders.gov.uk or visit the Scottish Youth Parliament website.