Elections have taken place for the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), with three candidates being elected to represent young people across the Scottish Borders.
The following successful candidates were elected:
- Alexandra Waterson-Law - Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, aged 14 from Galashiels (uncontested seat).
- Emily Tweddle, aged 15 from St Boswells and Anna Vause, aged 16 from Selkirk - Ettrick, Roxburgh, and Berwickshire.
One constituency was contested with candidates having a chance to represent other young people in their local community, while the other was uncontested due to only one candidate standing.
Scottish Youth Parliament
The SYP is the democratically elected voice of Scotland's yound people. It provides a national platform for young people to discuss issues important to them and shape the change they wish to see.
Elections are held every two years, in which young people from all across Scotland stand as candidates to beome Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs).
MSYPs range in age from 14-25 years and represent constituencies in all 32 local authorities throughout the country, and several voluntary organisations.
Congratulations to those involved
The successful candidates will act as MSYP Elects until 1 February 2024, when they will transition to Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament as their new membership term begins.
Following this, they will undergo a period of training and development in early 2024, before going on to select their National Campaign Priorities for the 2024/25 term.
Councillor Carol Hamilton, Executive Member for Developing our Children and Young People
"I'd like to offer my congratulations to the three young people on being successfully elected, and to all of those who took part in the event. This is a hugely important role and brings great opportunity to the new MSYP's but also to the many young people in our communities".
More information
SYP was established on 30 June 1999. Since then, MSYP's have successfully campaigned for change for Scotland's children and young people.
Previous campaign successes have included free bus travel and calling for 16 and 17 year olds to be able to vote in all Scottish elections.