Young People Wanted

25th January 2011

Young people from across the Highlands still have time to stand as candidates in the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) elections which take place across Scotland in March.

SYP is the national organisation which provides young people aged 14-25 a platform to represent young people across Highland and Scotland and is an opportunity to influence politicians and formal decision makers.

Anyone aged 14-25 who wants to be part of the next group of youth activists can either stand as a candidate in the elections, or influence the voting in the upcoming elections this March.

Being an Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament involves consulting with young people to find out their views and opinions on the subjects important to them; taking part in local events representing your constituents; representing peers at SYP National Sittings held several times a year all over Scotland; taking part in discussions and debates; playing an active role in SYP campaigns and training.

The Highland Youth Convener Gemma Mackintosh said: "Last year nearly 35,000 votes were cast across Scotland so young people do want to get involved. This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference and get involved in helping to make Highland and Scotland a better place for all young people."

Interested young people should go to www.syp.org.uk/elections to sign up as a candidate. The nominations process will close on 11th February and voting will take place in March 2011.