Scottish Youth Parliament Elections: just seven days left to cast your vote

You still have seven days to cast your vote in the Scottish Youth Parliament elections …

The Scottish Youth Parliament is a non-party political organisation made up of 150 young people representing every constituency in Scotland. It campaigns to highlight the views of Scotland’s young people on a national and international stage.

Its members meet three times each year at a range of different locations, including in the main chamber at Holyrood’s Scottish Parliament.

There are 12 seats representing Edinburgh open to candidates who receive the most votes at the elections in March. These are in six city areas: Central, Eastern, Northern & Leith, Pentlands, Southern and Western.

Anyone aged between 12 and 25 is eligible to vote – to get involved young people can log onto the Young Scot website and use their Young Scot number to vote (temporary numbers for voting are also available from a selection of schools and community venues across the city).

EDINBURGH NORTHERN & LEITH CANDIDATES

EILIDH MACKAY

SYP_Mani_EilidhMackay_UPDATED

Hello, I’m Eilidh, and I want to be your MSYP for Edinburgh North and Leith. Why Me?

 I am passionate about being a voice for young people in my area and across Scotland
 I think there are important changes that need to be made for the benefit of young people in our country
 I have been a member of the Youth Issues forum for 4 years, proving my enthusiasm and meaning I know what issues are important to young people in Edinburgh
 I have a lot of experience in public speaking so won’t be afraid to speak out about the issues that are important

MAIN ISSUES

 Votes at 16
This is something I feel very strongly about; we have a voice that deserves to be heard

 Sex Education
I feel that there is a serious lack of proper sex ed in schools. This is an issue I’ve heard from a lot of people and one I promise to take forward

 School Dinners
Everyone knows school dinners are awful, so why has nothing changed? There needs to be a proper look taken at the quality and healthiness of what we serve to school students.

Follow Me – @littlenerdyscot – and tweet me with any questions you may have. I Hope I Have Your Vote!

KIERAN REAPE

K__Reape_Manifesto_PDF

Why I’m Standing
I’m standing for Edinburgh Northern and Leith in the upcoming 2015 Scottish Youth Parliament elections to represent the young people in the
Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency.
What I will support and commit to as a Member of Scottish Youth Parliament:
– Votes at 16 (including all elections; UK and Scottish General Elections;
European Elections and Local Council Elections)
– Equality in Young People.
– Higher minimum wage for under-18’s and Modern Apprentices

I want Votes at 16 to become a reality across every type of election possible. This ties in with equality in young people. Young people should be able to Vote.

I also want Modern Apprentices and Under 18’s to be paid higher. The Modern Apprenticeship minimum wage is £2.73 per hour. Compare
that to the National Minimum of £6.50 per hour and you can see that the
gap is far too big.

A little bit about me
I’m 17 years old and born and raised in Edinburgh. I attended Drummond Community High School. After leaving in 5th year I ended up doing some work with the European Parliament shortly after I left school and eventually started a Certificate of Work Readiness at
the National Records of Scotland in January 2014 to March 2014.
I completed the certificate in March and achieved a Highly Commended SQA Star Award for my efforts there and my destination of work after the placement. After the placement I immediately started a one year modern apprenticeship for a SVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration. I now work for the Scottish Government.

Like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KieranReapeMSYP

Follow me on Twitter: @Keezor

Email me: K.L.Reape@gmail.com

Please note that due to the Code of the Civil Service, my influence on anything to do with the portfolio I will work in is extremely limited. It’s fortunate that each constituency actually has two MSYP’s. In the case of a portfolio topic, of where I work was to arise, I would plan to hand it over to the other MSYP of the constituency.

TERRI SMITH

SYP_Manifesto_Terri_Smith_Edinburgh_Northern_and_Leith

Past experience:
 I’ve been a MSYP since 2009
 Current Vice Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament
 Peer educator/mentor locally & nationally
 Youth Worker with disadvantaged young people
 Involved in 3 successful national campaigns
 Registered over 200 young people to vote in the referendum

Why vote for me?

 I have vast experience

 I’m hard working

 Great at public speaking

 I love working with young people

 I always throw in a bit of banter

 I’m committed to further representing you for another 2 years!

 I have a great working relationship with our politicians.

A vote for #TeamTerri is a vote for …

1. More support for LGBT young people
2. More knowledge and access to local and national opportunities
3. Engage and provide more support to the local youth forum and youth clubs/groups
4. Campaign to improve work experience
5. Tackle bullying In schools and provide further support for bullied young people
6. Continue to work with NUS Scotland to ensure college and university students aren’t facing further cuts to their education.

Youth parliament candidate enjoys hustings event

The joint Edinburgh Central and Edinburgh Northern and Leith hustings that took place at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall was a fantastic night.

The questions asked from the audience were excellent and covered a huge range of issues. We heard questions raised regarding educational attainment, votes at 16 and homeless children, just to mention a few.

I even had a disagreement with Councillor Cammy Day on a Youth Parliament for Edinburgh Council, which I believe should be something that exists, whereas he doesn’t because he believes it was ‘a waste of time!’

It was a truly great experience to hear from young people on issues that mean something to them and an honour to be able to answer the questions to such an engaged crowd.

Kieran Reape

Candidate for Edinburgh Northern & Leith

Scottish Youth Parliament

Scottish Youth Parliament: Elections 2015

Scottish Youth Parliament Elections 2015

The Scottish Youth Parliament holds elections every two years. The next elections to the Scottish Youth Parliament will take place in March 2015.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) represents Scotland’s young people. Our democratically elected members, aged 14-25, listen to and recognise the issues that are most important to young people, ensuring that their voices are heard by decision makers. We encourage all of Scotland’s young people to play their part in achieving our vision and provide a national platform for their participation in democracy.”

The stated aim of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is to represent and promote the views of Scotland’s young people. In seeking to achieve this, the organisation has adopted a quasi-parliamentary structure, with a standing body of members elected on a regular basis. The organisation seeks to promote the values of democracy, inclusion, political independence and passion.

The work of the SYP is designed to deliver five key objectives:

Affecting Change: A nation that listens to the voices of its young people.
Diverse Representation: All of Scotland’s young people are able to participate.
Positive about Young People: Young people are recognised as key contributors to Scottish society.
Developing Leaders: Through access to opportunities and training, our young people lead the way.
Celebrating Democracy: A strengthened relationship between young citizens and their political structures.

Your local candidates are:

EDINBURGH CENTRAL

Eilidh Dewar

Hello! My name is Eilidh Dewar and I am a 6^th year student at Broughton High School. I have always had a keen interest in politics and what young people want which is exactly why I got involved with the SYP. I feel like I would be an excellent member of the SYP because I am headstrong and I like standing up for what the young people in Edinburgh want. You should vote for me if you’re looking for someone who will stand up for young people and work extremely hard to get the voices of young people heard.

Lucy Duffy

My name is Lucie Duffy and I want to represent you at the SYP. I’m a member of my school’s Amnesty International Youth Group, so I want to help campaign for young people’s basic human rights, as well as other issues such as better Sex Education in schools and votes for 16 and 17 year olds. I think I could make a difference as an MSYP because I would listen to the views of other young people in my area and I believe that every single young person deserves the right to have a voice in Scotland.

Shorter version: I’m Lucie, and I want to represent you at the SYP because I think that young people deserve the right to have a voice in Scotland.

Wing-Yan Ng

I hope you will consider me as a candidate for Edinburgh Central, last year I successfully fulfilled one of my promises with promoting the living wage up to £7.85, please allow me again to work towards my manifesto and fulfil my promises to you. Giving young people fair representation is crucial to me and I want to protect your interests and I believe I can make a difference by representing your interests in the Scottish Youth Parliament. Voicing your opinion is important and I hope that you can lay your trust in me and support me. I would like to serve you in Edinburgh Central.

EDINBURGH NORTHERN AND LEITH

Callum Corea

I want to make young people feel they’re being represented and have a strong voice which is heard. I also want to make MSYP’s more accessible to young people and therefore easier to contact. I’m planning to have consultations with young people on issues affecting them such as youth involvement! I’ll also be campaigning on young carer and other similar issues which affect young adults. I’m aiming to campaign on equal pay for 16 – 20 year olds but also want to raise people’s awareness of young people’s contribution to society. I’m planning to campaign for more funding for youth groups but will be campaigning to set up more youth forums and other ways where young people can get more involved in politics and society. To help make all of this happen I’ll be working away to bridge the gap between decision makers and young people!

Nicolette Ester

Ever thought about being a little more responsibly disruptive?

As the next generation of Scottish leaders, I believe we need to take responsibility and raise our voices to protect the provisions in place to support our personal development. It’s no secret that times are getting harder, so, whether it’s cheaper public transport, a higher minimum-wage or better sports facilities vote for me as your SYP representative and I’ll help you speak out and get a little more responsibly disruptive about the issues that matter to you

Let’s work together to empower the young people of Scotland and fight for a brighter future! If anything else is needed please let me know!

Eilidh Mackay

Hi I’m Eilidh and I want to be your representative for North and Leith in the Scottish Youth Parliament. I am very passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of young people both nationwide and in this community. Being involved in change is something I have already been trying to get involved in, being a part of the Edinburgh Youth Issues forum for over four years, this is another way to continue that. If elected, I plan to find other ways to become involved in my close community, to stay in touch issues that young people have there.

Kieran Reape

I believe it to be crucial for young people from the age 16 and over, to be allowed to vote in the UK general election and European election. We have seen progress with this by allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the Referendum and the upcoming 2016 Scottish general election. This was the outcome of successful lobbying from the Scottish Youth Parliament. I intend to further the recent success by getting the UK government and European Parliament to abide by the same rules. By voting for me in Edinburgh North and Leith you will be adding support to this cause.

Terri Smith

My name is Terri Smith and I am your current MSYP but also hoping to work for you for another 2 years. Over the years I have successfully campaigned on equal marriage, votes at 16, a living wage, supporting young carers whilst currently working on a campaign called POVERTY: see it change it. If re-elected I aim to focus on more support for LGBT young people, equal access to local and national opportunities, better engagement with local youth forums/groups and clubs, campaign for better work experience as well as tackling bullying in schools and also continue to work with NUS Scotland to support college and university students. Being an MSYP is about representing what you want and if you want someone with a proven track record on delivering whilst always ensuring a bit of banter is thrown in then vote for #TeamTerri – follow on twitter @3terrismith

EDINBURGH WESTERN

Owen Cruikshank

There are so many issues effecting Scotland’s young people today but one issue that must be addressed is Inequality. More than 1in5 of Scotland’s young people are classed as being in poverty. This is a shocking statistic but who better to tackle it than us – the young people. I am committed to helping create genuine change in our community and our country.

Although I have achieved a lot in my term, I know that there’s more I can achieve for our community. I can and will represent Edinburgh Western in the best possible way should I be re-elected.

Laura Holloway

Statement to follow

Sarah Outterson

I would like to be part of the Scottish Youth Parliament because I believe it’s really important that young people have a voice and a say in the decisions which affect their lives. I would campaign for disability awareness and hope to get more respect with those with disabilities. I would hope to raise the political awareness of young people as I think it’s increasingly important as we raise voting age that we know as young people the differences between each party.

I also hope to get Feminism in PSE lessons in schools. I think this is a great idea because they would then know what Feminism really is and not what they hear from their friends.

If you want to no more about me and my campaign you can follow me on Twitter at @ S_Outterson or on my blog on someonelikesarah.wordpress.com

For further information visit www.syp.org.uk/elections-2015

hustings flyer poster

Youth Parliament Chair encourages candidates to stand for election

‘grasp this opportunity to ensure young people are continually at the forefront of shaping our society’ – Louise Cameron, Chair SYP

The Scottish Youth Parliament elections will be held in March next year and the call is now open for young people all over the country to register their interest and stand as candidates to represent young people in their area.

The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people and campaigns on a wide range of issues, and represents young people all over Scotland. It gives young people a national platform to voice their issues, turn them into positive actions, and influence Scotland’s decision makers.

To register interest to represent a local constituency, young people aged 14-25 should complete a Candidate Expression of Interest Form by Friday 31 October. Further information is available atwww.syp.org.uk/elections.

Louise Cameron, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “During what is such an exciting time to be involved in the heart of Scottish politics, I am delighted to announce that the call for candidates is now open for the SYP Elections 2015.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament is an entirely youth-led organisation, and Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament represent the views of young people across Scotland and strive to make a real difference by campaigning on the issues that matter the most to young people.

“Being a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament is a truly life changing experience. I would like to encourage young people from all over the country to consider standing as a candidate and to grasp this opportunity to ensure young people are continually at the forefront of shaping our society.”

Current Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) have produced a promotional video to encourage others to get involved in this opportunity to stand as a candidate and potentially become an MSYP.

The SYP Elections promotional video can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdPFjHPgD6Q&list=UU3lS9jY21U4jVSnhYkAK3kw

Poles apart: divided views on local billboard posters

Advertising is designed to draw your attention, but the ad men must be rubbing their hands at the publicity two totally different billboard ads – one for camping equipment, the other for the European elections – has generated.

The ads – one for GO Outdoors, proclaiming ‘No Poles Required’, and the other for the UKIP political party were placed together on a site on West Granton Road late last month and it seems the stushie’s still simmering.

Local Forth councillors Steve Cardownie and Vicki Redpath both took issue with the juxtaposition of the posters.

SNP councillor Steve Cardownie said : “It’s insensitive. People might think it’s funny, but that’s the kind of message UKIP are trying to get over. You would have thought somebody would have the presence of mind to realise that”.

“When it comes to questions of immigrant workers we have to be very careful. It’s unfortunate and I would urge the tent company to do what they can to repair matters as soon as possible – it’s too dangerous to be funny.”

Forth Labour councillor Vicki Redpath said “It’s probably a stupid mistake where someone hasn’t thought about the consequences, but all sorts of people could take offence”.

UKIP believe it’s a lot of fuss about nothing. A spokesperson said: “I do not believe people are getting upset – I think people will look at it with a wry smile. The posters are two completely different things juxtaposed in a wry way by accident.”

By accident or design? Clear Channel, the company responsible for posters, said they were put up at the same time. A spokesman added: “We can understand why people would make the connection, but at the same time one is for an election campaign on European bureaucracy and the other is an advert for camping supplies.”

Last week Barbara Robertson of the Granton Improvement Society wrote to Go Outdoors to demand that the ‘No Poles Required’ poster is removed. She said: “I am incensed by the advertising you have recently indulged in whereby the ‘No Poles Required’ poster has been displayed next to a UKIP poster in many places all over Britain. I demand that you remove these posters or be vilified as being part of a racist campaign”.
There has been no response so far.

However not everyone is getting hot and bothered over the billboards. One Newhaven man – who preferred not to be named – stopped when I was taking pictures. He said: “I pass these billboards on the way to work every day and to be honest I never usually notice them. It’s harmless enough and I think it’s quite funny. I don’t know what some people are getting all upset about. Will the publicity maybe make more people vote? I doubt it – now you’re having a laugh!”

An innocent little joke, a simple mistake or blatant racist provocation? Whatever your view, two weeks on the posters are still there …

Last call for community councillors

Elected Representative CC Application Form 2013

Do you care about your community? Would you like to make your neighbourhood a better place to live? Well, there’s still time to put your name forward to become a community councillor – but nominations close at 4pm TODAY!

Indications are that nomination forms have not exactly been flooding in to Returning Officers in some neighbourhoods so far so it’s hoped that there will be a last-minute rush today!

Community councils are groups of people who care about their community and want to make their area a better place to live. Community councils give residents a say in how their communities are run by representing the views of local people on Neighbourhood Partnerships and convey these views to the Council and other organisations and agencies.

In North Edinburgh, Drylaw Telford was one of the city’s original community councils while Muirhouse Salvesen (pictured below), West Pilton/West Granton and Granton and District were formed to give communities a voice in new community planning arrangements when Neighbourhood Partnerships were introduced in 2007.

Community councils are always keen to hear from local people, and want more people to get involved in their work. They usually meet once a month, and in between meetings many organise and support local projects and initiatives that help the community or improve the area.

Get involved – get that nomination form completed and handed in today!

The inaugural meeting of Muirhouse Salvesen Community Council in March 2007

One from the archives – ‘Improving Services, Creating Jobs’

Labour took control of the city of Edinburgh for the first time when they won the District Council Elections held on Thursday 3 May 1984.

Can you name any of these young, fresh-faced local politicians? (NB: At least one of them is a famous comedian …!)

Community councillors needed

The decision to postpone community council elections this year is causing problems for some local community councils. Drylaw Telford and West Granton West Pilton Community Councils are just two who are looking to co-opt new blood to fill gaps until new community councils are formed at elections next year.

Alex Dale, chair of Drylaw Telford CC, said: “Our particular problem is that we only had one member who lives in the Telford area, and she no longer attends our monthly meetings. Telford has it’s own problems – inconsiderate parking is a big issue there – and it would be good if our community council had some ‘local knowledge’ of what’s going on there, from someone who actually lives in Telford. Our community council has some vacancies so we’re looking to co-opt a member from Telford to fill a gap that really needs to be filled before next year’s elections – Telford is not being adequately represented on our community council and we want to put that right as soon as we can”.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Drylaw Telford Community Council – the group meets on the last Wednesday of the month in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre – or you’d like to find out more, email chairman Alex Dale at alex.dale@blueyonder.co.uk

West Granton West Pilton Community Council has also found it difficult to retain active members, and they’re on the lookout for new volunteers too. A spokesperson said: “There was some initial enthusiasm when our community council was first established but interested waned very quickly and we’ve had problems almost ever since. We recently had leaflets printed and delivered across the area to encourage residents to get involved but the response has been disappointing. We’ll plod on, but we could really use enthusiastic new members – realistically, we’re not expecting a mad rush, though. Community councils have not caught the imagination here.”

If you’re interested in getting involved in West Pilton West Granton Community Council call West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre on 551 3194 or the Prentice Centre on 552 0485, leave your details and the community council will contact you.

Edinburgh’s community council elections should have been taking place around now but the city council decided to delay the elections until October 2013.

What can be done to make community councils more relevant?

Do you attend your local community council meeting – are they just talking shops or do they get things done in your area?

Let us know!

Deal done: it’s Labour and SNP

The Labour Party and the SNP have signed an agreement to work together to run the City of Edinburgh Council following the local government elections on 3 May.

The agreement follows concerted efforts to reach an all-party alliance between all the groups that had councillors returned by the electors last week. The coalition partners said they hoped to continue to work with the other groups in the interests of the people of Edinburgh.

Andrew Burns, Labour Group leader, said: “After listening to the will of the electorate and after intense negotiations over the last few days I am delighted that we have managed to reach an agreement to lead the city of Edinburgh for the next five years. Edinburgh electors gave a very clear mandate to Labour and the SNP, delivering 38 out of 58 councillors. A Labour-SNP coalition will now provide the stability and certainty needed to move Edinburgh forward.”

Steve Cardownie, SNP Group leader, said: “The SNP looks forward to working in partnership with the Labour group with a progressive and exciting agenda to meet the challenges the city faces. With this strong partnership we are best placed to ensure Edinburgh serves its citizens well and emerges from the recession quickly and strongly. Our groups’ economic policies are almost one and the same and we are confident they will deliver for the people of the city.”

Chief Executive Sue Bruce, who was notified of the agreement today, said: “I look forward to working with the new administration, and indeed all councillors, over the next five years.

“A successful Council needs a partnership between the elected members who set the direction and policies, and the officers charged with putting that into practice. Together, our responsibility is to ensure that we take Edinburgh forward and make a real difference to the people who live and work here.”

The coalition parties have agreed the following division of positions: the Labour Party will nominate candidates for the positions of Leader and Lord Provost; the Scottish National Party will nominate candidates for the positions of Deputy Leader and Deputy Lord Provost.

The first meeting of the new Council is on Thursday 17 May, at which it will appoint a new Lord Provost. It is intended that the other aforementioned positions will be agreed at the same meeting.

Deal done: it's Labour and SNP

The Labour Party and the SNP have signed an agreement to work together to run the City of Edinburgh Council following the local government elections on 3 May.

Chief Executive Sue Bruce, who was notified of the agreement today, said: “I look forward to working with the new administration, and indeed all councillors, over the next five years.

The first meeting of the new Council is on Thursday 17 May, at which it will appoint a new Lord Provost. It is intended that the other aforementioned positions will be agreed at the same meeting.