Applications to stand as a candidate in the next Scottish Youth Parliament elections are still open. If you know a young person who’s looking to expand their network, explore their interests and build their confidence, encourage them to apply.
Becoming an MSYP gives young people the opportunity to represent their peers, develop new skills and get involved in the issues that matter to them.
You can find further information on our website here:
We are concerned by the nature of the media attention focused on the election of Dr Q Manivannan to the Scottish Parliament at the recent election. Rather than celebrating the improvement in representation of Scotland’s diverse population Dr Manivannan’s election represents, our public sphere has been fixated on debating their right to be an MSP.
Less than eighteen months ago, the Scottish Parliament unanimously passed, with every party voting in favour, the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act. This gave the right to stand for election to anyone with leave to remain in Scotland, whether temporary or permanent. It is therefore clear that Dr Manivannan had a legal right to seek and win election.
That law built on earlier efforts to make the Scottish electoral system more democratic and inclusive.
The Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020 expanded voting rights for the Scottish Parliament and Scottish local authorities to most people legally living in Scotland, regardless of their citizenship status. This was a recognition of the contributions that everybody living, working, raising families and studying in Scotland make to our communities and economy. It was an affirmation of the principle that Scotland is governed by and for everyone who lives here.
Dr Manivannan’s success in being elected is one of the intended results of this widely supported legislation. The people who choose to make their homes here should be included, supported and electorally represented.
It is a sad sign of the times, and the state of our public discourse, that what should have been a proud moment for Scottish democracy has been marred by partisan spin, attacks on Dr Manivannan’s identity both as an immigrant and non-binary person, and media failures to confront disinformation.
This treatment of Dr Manivannan risks further cementing barriers to public office for women, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ people and people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Research on experiences of seeking elected office in Scotland suggests that harassment on social media and hostile media coverage is a significant factor in discouraging potential candidates from underrepresented groups.
This needs to change – especially in light of the decline in women’s representation in the current parliament.
We welcome the election of Dr Manivannan as an example of what we hope will be a more open and inclusive democracy that welcomes immigrants as both voters and representatives. We hope that the new parliament will represent all of the people of Scotland, promote tolerance and respect in the chamber, and work to uphold the rights and dignity of all.
Organisations supporting the statement include: The Young Women’s Movement, Scottish Trans, Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland, Inclusion Scotland, CRER (Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights), Equal Representation Coalition, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, CEMVO Scotland, ElectHER and Engender
Dear Editor,
The recent Scottish Parliament election should give all of us cause for reflection. With voter turnout sitting at just over 52 per cent, nearly half of eligible voters chose not to participate in one of the most important democratic exercises in our nation.
The troubling story here is the growing sense of apathy and disengagement among the public, with the election campaign failing to ignite the public’s enthusiasm.
The SNP clearly won the election, but attracted only about one in five potential voters, and the Labour Party one in ten.
When almost one in every two voters stays at home, it raises profound questions about trust in politics, political representation, and whether our institutions are genuinely connecting with the people they serve.
Low turnout should not simply be accepted as the new normal. It should serve as a warning sign that democratic participation in Scotland cannot be taken for granted. The alarming lack of interest is a crisis that should concern all parties, and they should devote themselves to addressing this apathy by engaging the public.
If this trend continues unchecked, the Apathy Party risks further eroding the legitimacy of our institutions and undermining public confidence in government, paving the way for the rise of more extreme parties.
Politics must once again become something people feel part of — not something done to them from a distance.
Yours faithfully,
Alex Orr
Marchmont Road
THE City Council is urging everyone who is eligible to register to vote before the deadline at 11:59pm on MONDAY 20 APRIL 
You can also apply to vote by post or proxy instead of going to a polling place
Research published today (Monday 10 March) by the Electoral Commission reveals that nearly three quarters of young people in Scotland (73%) think children and young people should learn more about politics in school or college. Young people are most interested in learning more about political parties and the difference voting makes.
The research, which surveyed 11 to 25-year-olds from across the UK, also found that 81% of young people in Scotland who live in homes where politics is discussed weekly or more often, say they are confident about voting compared to only 30% of young people living in homes where politics is never discussed.
More positively, young people who responded to the survey said that hearing about politics at school or college is, along with at home, the most trusted source of information – more so that TV or social media.
The Electoral Commission is calling for all young people in Scotland to have the opportunity to learn about democracy in school, with better support for educators to deliver engaging and effective lessons.
With the voting age being 16 in Scotland at Scottish Parliament and council elections, it is more important than ever to ensure young people understand our democracy and how they can play an active role in it.
Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: “Young people should feel empowered to take part in our democracy, yet too many in Scotland feel disconnected from politics and uncertain about how decisions that affect them locally are made.
“It is crucial young people are equipped with the knowledge and confidence they need to engage with democracy and cast their vote.
“The Electoral Commission is expanding its work with schools and youth groups across Scotland to support democratic education, but meaningful change also requires updates to the curriculum and dedicated time for teachers to deliver democratic education in schools, ensuring all young people understand and participate in democracy.
“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to encourage this positive change.”
The findings are being launched to mark the start of Welcome to Your Vote Week, the Electoral Commission’s annual campaign celebrating democracy and promoting further democratic education.
This year’s theme, ‘Get Informed and Get Involved,’ encourages young people to access accurate information on democracy and elections, helping them take the first steps to engage locally.”
Nominations opened for Community Council elections on 6 February 2025. Noominations close at 4pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.
The quickest method to return completed nomination forms is by email to the Governance Team at community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk
If you choose to return by hand or by post please ensure you allow sufficient time for the nomination form to be received before the deadline at 4pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.
Example completed nomination forms are attached to this email. All sections that must be completed are highlighted in yellow.
Attached is a breakdown of every valid nomination received for each individual Community Council as of 20 February 2025.
For each individual Community Council, you will also note the column with the minimum number of nominations required to establish the Community Council. We have highlighted in green the Community Councils that have already met the minimum elected members threshold.
Nomination form – further clarification
Since nominations opened we have received a number of nominations which have been assessed as not valid. All candidates have been provided with advice on how to rectify and re-submit by the closing date of 4pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.
Common ‘not valid’ reasons
Below are common reasons why nomination forms have been assessed as not valid
Below are common reasons why Local Interest Group nomination forms have been assessed as not valid
If you need any assistance with completing a nomination form then please do not hesitate to contact us at community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk
Regards
Governance Team
The Notice of Election to community councils in Edinburgh was published yesterday (Wednesday 5th February).
Community councils are groups of elected local residents who care about their communities. These councils play an important role in the democratic process and act in the interests of their local areas.
The nomination period runs from today until 27 February. During this time you can nominate yourself to stand for election as a community councillor.
An election will only be held in a community council area if there are more people nominated than places on the community council. Should this be necessary the election date will be 27 March.
The new community council term will start on 28 March and will last four years. The next community council elections are planned for 2029 though this may be subject to change.
Find out more about community councils and how to stand for election on our website along with the full text of the Notice of Election.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “Community councils remain an integral part of the social and democratic fabric of our city. In my experience as a ward councillor, I truly value my relationship with community councils and the excellent work that they do.
“From campaigning on key local issues, to organising meetings, chairing debates, liaising with local and national representatives and much more – the life of a community councillor in the Capital is never ordinary.
“This is an excellent opportunity to take a lead in your local area and make your community a better place. I’d encourage all residents to consider standing as a community councillor. Edinburgh draws its strength from its citizens, and we need their views and ideas to move forward together.”
Secretary of Edinburgh Association of Community Councils, Ken Robertson said: “You have a community council voice in city life, by right.
“Don’t step to the side and stay silent.”
DONALD Trump is within touching distance of becoming President of the United States for the second time.
At 7.15am BST the controversial figure has amassed 266 electoral college votes, just four votes short of a remarkable victory.
Wee Janey Godley will be birlin’ in her grave …
LOCAL Greenpeace volunteers were door-knocking in Bruntsfield yesterday to spread the word about Greenpeace’s current UK-wide campaign Project Climate Vote.
Project Climate Vote aims to recruit one million climate voters ahead of the next general election, in order to pressure all political parties to commit to bolder action on climate change. Climate voters pledge to show visible support for climate policies and vote with the planet in mind.
Edinburgh volunteers went door to door in Bruntsfield having conversations with residents about their concerns about the climate crisis and wider connected issues. As climate voters, locals were asked to place a poster in their window and to voice their concerns about the climate crisis should local candidates come to their door in the run-up to the election.
Sue, a volunteer from Bruntsfield said: “The conversations we’re having show that the climate crisis is a key concern for the majority of people and they want bolder action from our leaders. It’s encouraging that so many people want to sign up…the hardest part is finding folk in on a sunny afternoon!”
Today follows numerous other door-knocking sessions Greenpeace volunteers have carried out in Edinburgh since September 2023, including in Pilton in North Edinburgh in February. The group will be out canvassing again during future weekends, right up until the general election, which is currently expected to take place in the latter half of this year.
Zoë, a volunteer from Newington said: “Project Climate Vote is a very exciting and crucial campaign aiming to hold politicians to account on delivering the action that we need in order to ensure a liveable future.
The climate crisis is already happening up and down the country. People can see it with their own eyes and are playing their part to mitigate their own impact on the environment. What we need now are our leaders to step up to the plate.”
Greenpeace UK are hosting weekly online training sessions for those interested in taking part in the canvassing campaigns in their local areas. Anyone is welcome to join a canvassing team, regardless of if they have any past experience with Greenpeace.
UK voters can sign up to be a Climate Voters and order their posters on the Greenpeace website.
Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) elections – voting starts on Monday 6 November and closes on Sunday 19 November
21 candidates are standing in these five constituencies:
Edinburgh Central – 6 candidates
Edinburgh Northern and Leith – 3 candidates
Edinburgh Pentlands – 4 candidates
Edinburgh Southern – 4 candidates
Edinburgh Western – 4 candidates
Two candidates will be elected unopposed for Edinburgh Eastern.
Brief candidate profiles are available at: https://elections.syp.org.uk/elections/19/ (see ‘select constituency’ at the bottom of the page).
Who can vote?
All young people aged 12 (or in 1st year of secondary school) to 25 can vote in the contested constituencies.
Voting will take place online. Young people can vote using their Young Scot card or a temporary number at:
Temporary numbers have been issued to schools in the contested constituencies so young people can ask for a temporary number at school or by emailing:
To check which Scottish Parliamentary constituency you are in, please visit https://boundaries.scot/ and enter your postcode.
What you can do
Please encourage young people you work with or are in contact with to vote for their preferred candidates. Every vote will count so it’s essential that we give as many young people as possible the opportunity to vote.
The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people. Please help us to ensure that we have a good turnout in Edinburgh so that the successful candidates have a strong mandate to represent young people.
For more info visit SYP website
