At the end of March, the Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) for the Western Isles met with their counterparts from Orkney and Shetland at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Alannah Logue from Lewis, who has been an MSYP since 2022, and newly elected Ellie Denehy from Barra had the opportunity to take part in training and to network with other island MSYPs.
The group met with Members of the Scottish Parliament including Alasdair Allan, Rhoda Grant and Emma Roddick to discuss the important issues of transport, youth work and the support required within Education. Francesco Bertoldi from the National Islands Plan Team shared the purpose of the Plan with MSYPs and talked about future consultation.
During their time in Edinburgh the MSYPs participated in training led by the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP). As elected members of the SYP, MSYPs will consult with young people in their constituency about the issues affecting them. They will also meet with local and national decision-makers to share young people’s views and experiences.
“This opportunity has helped me get a better understanding of the SYP and my role in it,” said Ellie. “Meeting the other MSYPs from Orkney and Shetland has been great and I’m looking forward to seeing them all again.”
“Being able to meet up with fellow islanders has been brilliant,” agreed Alannah. “Having this connection throughout the islands will be valuable in the work we want to achieve over this term. Everyone was fantastic and super-passionate about the challenges of island life!”
The Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament are keen to meet with young people and decision-makers in the Western Isles. To contact MSYPs, email:
- Ellie Denehy: Ellie.Denehy.MSYP@syp.org.uk
- Alannah Logue: Alannah.logue.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
For more information on youth opportunities contact Community Learning and Development at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar: youngscot@cne-siar.gov.uk