Eight young people have thrown their hats into the ring to represent North Ayrshire in the Scottish Youth Parliament.
There are four candidates hoping to become Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) in both Cunninghame North and Cunninghame South – with just two seats available in each area.
MSYPs can help make young people’s voices heard at local and national level on a range of matters, from climate change and mental health to poverty and LGBT issues.
Those elected will act as a sounding board to amplify the views of young people across North Ayrshire’s six localities.
The four candidates and their main issues for Cunninghame South are...
Emma Burns - economy, environment and health and well-being
“Voting for me will ensure that young people’s voices are heard and listened to. I care deeply about young people in our community and their rights. I will do everything in my power to make them feel valued and accepted, making a safe space to voice concerns and raise any issues."
Lee Fitzpatrick - health and well-being, democracy and culture and media
"I believe in young people and young people should believe in me. Young people want someone they can trust - who will respect them - and that person is me. I will represent and stand up for them on the national stage.”
Freya Fitzsimmons - young people’s rights, the environment and democracy in her sights
"Every young person has the right to be heard, and I am determined to make sure that they know that and that all young people feel they can express their concerns and be taken seriously. I would advocate tirelessly for young people to create a brighter, greener future for all."
Brooke Ramsay - equalities, the environment and health and well-being
“I have always admired the idea of leading young people and letting them become vocally active. I want young people to be aware of the issues that are in our community and have the encouragement to discuss these in a safe place.”
In Cunninghame North the candidates and their main issues are:
Logan Gilmour - equalities, health and well-being and poverty and inequality
“As I stand for re-election, my goals remain the same - to ensure that the voice of every young person is heard, to reduce child poverty, remove the stigma around drug and alcohol use and promote equality for all.”
Rhyan Gorrie - poverty and inequality, health and well-being and transport
“I am not just making promises. I'm dedicated to taking concrete action to improve the lives of people in our community. Together, we can build a brighter future for young people.”
Emma Henderson - poverty and inequality, health and well-being and transport
“I want to represent the young people to make sure their voices are heard. I also want to be a part of the change that affects young people across Scotland.”
Adam Johnson - equalities, health and well-being and democracy
“As a young person with a disability I have experience with mental health and disabilities. I put in the hard work and I am willing, determined, passionate and considerate – values that are good for an MSYP. I would represent everyone’s views and be a champion for young people.”
Voting will take place across all schools and communities from November 6 to 19.
Councillor Chloe Robertson, Young People’s Champion, is excited about the election and the competition for votes.
She said: “Young people are at the heart of everything we do as a council, and it is great to see these eight young people standing for election.
“The Scottish Youth Parliament offers young people an opportunity to have their say, speak up on important issues and genuinely make a difference.
“I wish all eight candidates good luck, thank them for getting involved and look forward to the election. And I hope to see a great turnout of young people casting their votes.”
Young people can also vote online using their Young Scot card.
If a young person would like to vote but is not at school and doesn’t have a Young Scot card, a temporary number for voting is available by emailing youthwork@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Read the rules here