First Minister Alex Salmond published a youth version of Scotland’s Future at a youth engagement event in Glasgow yesterday.
The young person’s guide to Scottish independence (see below) was made available as the Scottish Government hosted the first ever ‘Youth Cabinet’ – an opportunity for over 100 young Scots from across the country to quiz Scottish Ministers directly on independence plans.
In the first event of its kind event at Glasgow’s SECC, the young people quizzed the politicians who were seated at portfolio-themed tables. Then, after a rapid-fire 15 minutes a ‘gong’ was sounded and the young people moved on to ‘grill’ the next Minister!
Young people were involved in all aspects of the event, including hosting duties and the filming and live streaming of the session.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCQeB_6iNxE
Speaking at the youth cabinet First Minister Alex Salmond said: “I am proud that for the first time ever we have ensured 16 and 17 year-olds will get the vote.
“The case for independence rests on the talent and ability of our people. It will be better for all our futures if decisions about Scotland are taken by the people who care most about Scotland – the people who live and work here.
“No-one else will do a better job and no-one else has a bigger stake in our success and that fundamental truth applies to young people more than anyone else. In an independent Scotland your future – Scotland’s future – will be in the hands of our young people.
“Today we are also publishing a version of Scotland’s Future which focusses, in particular, on issues of interest to young people. It’s a plan to demonstrate how, working together, we can build a better, more prosperous and fairer country.
“For young people the prospect of an independent Scotland really is the opportunity of a lifetime and my message to them is let’s ensure Scotland’s future is in Scotland’s hands.”