Nominations now open for potential Scottish Youth Parliament members

Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, also known as MSYPs, are aged between 14 and 25. They are democratically elected every two years – two each for every Scottish Parliament constituency.

In Angus, two constituencies will be contested with candidates having a chance to represent other young people in their local community. Throughout their current term, MSYPs in Angus have been active in campaigning for safer travel, better bus services as well as improvements in mental health support for young people.

Prospective candidates have until Monday 31 July to register their interest in standing to become an MSYP. Young people will then receive training to help them develop their skills over the summer before they launch their election campaigns in the autumn.

Across Scotland, young people will then cast their ballots to choose who they want to represent them for the next two years between Monday, November 6 and Sunday, November 19.

Mollie McGoran MSYP, chairperson of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “We’re excited to launch our elections for people aged 14 to 25 across the country to stand to become MSYPs, ahead of our 25th anniversary as the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people in 2024. This is a chance to join a uniquely youth-led organisation to campaign for change on the important issues that young people care about. As well as giving a voice to children and young people, MSYPs will also build their confidence and learn new skills all whilst having fun and making friends along the way.”

Angus Council’s communities convener, Cllr Mark McDonald said: “Being a MSYP is a great opportunity for young people to stand up and have their say about the things that matter to them to the people who make decisions. Joining equips young people with invaluable tools, skills and confidence they can use throughout their life journey.

“At Angus Council we value the commitment, contribution and work our MYSPs make. Over the last two years, our current MSYPs have been busy campaigning for improvements in mental health support for young people in Angus, and it was great to see their current #SaferTravelAngus campaign raising awareness with young people on how they can travel safely around Angus.

“I’d encourage anyone thinking about become a MSYP to apply.”

Since 1999, MSYPs have successfully campaigned for change for Scotland’s children and young people in their mission to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.

Previous campaign successes have included free bus travel, protecting young people’s rights by campaigning to bring the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law, and calling for 16 and 17 years old to be able to vote in all Scottish elections.

Young people interested in standing for election to SYP can find out more and register online at syp.org.uk/elections.