- Home Page
Education and Learning- Community Learning and Development
- Young People
- Scottish Youth Parliament Candidates
Scottish Youth Parliament Candidates
Aberdeenshire Elections 17th - 25th March
The Scottish Youth Parliament's vision is of a stronger, more inclusive Scotland that empowers young people by truly involving them in the decision making process. We do this through our Members (MSYPs) who are elected young people aged between 14- 25 representing different areas and voluntary organisations from across the whole of Scotland.
To vote you must be between 12- 25 years old and either live or be in education within Aberdeenshire.
Please see list of candidates below, on the 17th March there will be live link to the voting page. This will close at 5pm on the 25th March.
Use your vote to elect the people you want to represent you!
Banff & Buchan Candidates
Mark Buchan*
My name is Mark Buchan and I am a candidate for SYP for Banff & Buchan Coast. I want to make a difference in the lives of young people in this constituency.
As the leaders of tomorrow, we must make sure that our voices are heard in a time where the gap between young people and the rest of society is widening.
I believe that we must strive to improve our image, our opportunities and our future if young people are to be in touch with their community.
We must try to change how young people are viewed, create more opportunities for young people to get involved in within the community, and ensure that our ideas and desires are valued.
Our voices must be heard. We are the youth of Banff & Buchan Coast, and I, Mark Buchan, if elected will be our voice.
Kevin Buchan*
There needs to be more support for young people leaving school.
Some young people get forgotten about specially those with problems. It is even harder for them that don't like school and don't fit into normal society.
There was no support for me when I left school and got no support when I went though major issues.
I didn't know where to get help. There needs to be more youth workers as I didn't know about youth work until I started working as a youth action worker though the future jobs fund. Young people need more information and contact with youth workers.
I'd also like to see more training opportunities for young people like for example the future jobs fund for people who don't want to go into further education.
* Please note, the Banff & Buchan Coast constituency has been un-contested therefore no election will take place and both nominated candidates will be declared Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament on the 30th March.
West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine Candidates
Caitlin Soulsby
Hi, I'm Caitlin! I'm currently studying my Highers at Banchory Academy. If I were to be voted as MSYP for West Aberdeenshire I would play an active role in the Scottish Youth Parliament campaigns. I would try to bridge the gap between politicians and young people in the area. My involvement within the School Pupil Council as a class representative involves regularly consulting students to find out their opinions on subjects that are important to them. As an active member of Banchory Academy's debating society, I am experienced in public speaking and would be capable of participating in SYP debates to represent your views. I would propose solutions to the issues faced by youths in the area including the cost of public transport, minimum wage and the perception of young people in Scotland. I would ensure that there would be a strong link between me and my constituency by hosting regular surgeries and visiting your school on a regular basis.
Callum Swanson
Vote 4 Calum is the campaign run by the candidate for West Aberdeenshire Calum Swanson. It is my intension to represent you at the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP).
Below are the main points I will be campaigning on:
- Better transportation links across west Aberdeenshire using public transport and the development of better cycle routes to enable the youth to become greener
- Better safety on school buses
- Keep rural life styles vibrant by ensuring local development plans do not merge villages and create one big urban sprawl
- Good quality sporting and leisure facilities for the youth of West Aberdeenshire by lobbying for the completion of new facilities in Kintore
- An affordable third level education irrespective of family income by continuing to support any campaigns done by SYP
- More resources for the implantation of the curriculum for excellence with the youth having a say in this vital implementation
Daniel Rees
I believe that there are a variety of different reasons why I should represent the youth of Aberdeenshire West. As an S3 pupil, I already have lots of experience when it comes to standing for elections. I have stood in two mock-elections in the past two years, and I am keen and enthusiastic to represent the young people of Aberdeenshire West. Secondly, I have done lots of public speaking. I have represented my school, Banchory Academy several times in the past 3 years in National debating competitions. I will be able to bring a strong voice to the issues that concern you and me. Finally, I can represent the youth of this constituency for a full term of four years. In voting for me you can be sure to be electing a candidate who will be with you for the long term.
Nicol Ogston
Your Vote today for a voice tomorrow. Together we will ensure your vote lets your voice be heard. The power of creating change in West Aberdeenshire must be given directly to those it concerns; you. I would seek to make our visions become a reality with your help. Personally, issues which are closest to my heart in West Aberdeenshire are:
- Lifestyle choices - we are constantly reminded of our health problems, our obesity figures and drug abuse. Its time for us to change these perceptions in a way best suited for you.
- Misconceptions and stereotypes - adults must no longer assume that we are a threat when we are out. Greater communication between the youth and the public at large will end this.
- Peer Pressure - We are individuals who must make our own choices and not be influenced by others.
Create change for you. Vote Nicol Ogston.
Twitter
My facebook page
My youtube channel
North Angus and Mearns
Caroline Park
Andrew Deans
In the last two years I:
- Took my campaign against the Mosquito device to the Scottish Parliament
- Won support for improving the organ donation system in Scotland
- Became the leading voice of young people in Scotland on health issues as the Convenor of the Scottish Youth Parliament's Health and Wellbeing Committee
- Worked with councillors to improve Aberdeenshire for young people
In the next two I'll:
- Continue to fight on behalf of Aberdeenshire's young people for better transport, more facilities for young people and improved road safety
- Continue my campaigns which are making MSP's listen to our voices and take action
- Take on local issues which are important to you
Vote Andrew Deans for MSYP in North Angus and Mearns - action on the issues important to you.
Aberdeenshire East
Hayley Lorimer
You, should be represented by someone like yourself. I am an average teenager attending a comprehensive school. I like sports, music, socialising with friends... the usual. However, I have a passion to make a change and that starts with making sure your voices are heard in the Scottish Youth Parliament. It is important as we are the future.
Important issues I feel are:
- More university places / Making sure tuition fees are not re-introduced in Scotland
- Mental illness to be treated at the same standard as physical illness. (It affects us all at one point)
- More places for young people to go in Aberdeenshire
- Change the typical media image of young people
These issues affect us all in some way. However, your issues are important so vote for me and I will make sure what you feel is important is noticed.
Make a change for the better. Vote Hayley Lorimer.
Jack Wright
If I were to be elected I would represent the views of all young people. In addition to this, I feel employment is an issue which faces young school leavers who are unable to find work; I feel that there should be more do to ensure that young people are not left in situations where they have no opportunities of employment. I feel, that some of the faculties currently provided for young people's entertainment are either inadequate or price out groups of people, if elect I will attempt to address these problems and ensure that everyone is given equal opportunities. Finally I feel some young people find it difficult to access higher education. In my opinion stronger links should be made between secondary schools and universities to ensure that those who do work hard are rewarded. These issues are my "3Es" which I will seek to improve for all.
Robert Phimster
The Scottish Youth Parliament gives me the opportunity to represent young people in issues which I believe they do not have a loud enough voice. I believe I have the confidence and the ability to communicate my views well enough to represent young people in my area effectively and I want to be part of change that improves the North East and Scotland for us. I am a hard worker and I believe I would be dedicated to the work as a member of the SYP and work hard to hear the views of the people in this area and put them the parliament. I am passionate about making Scotland a better place for young people; Improving their negative media image, improving our prospects for after school and improving opportunities for people from all backgrounds. I feel I would be a committed member of the SYP if I was elected.
Alex Gaskin
Hi, my name is Alex and I have been an MSYP in Aberdeenshire for two years now. It has been a fantastic experience which I would love to continue. In the future, there are many projects I would like to lead as a youth representative but as an MSYP, the main job is listening to your views and making ourselves available to you.
Over the past two years, I have held consultations around the Banff and Buchan constituency and found out that the main youth issues were things like transport, the state of the school toilets and lack of places to go in the area. I like to work with young people to give them ideas and help with how to change these issues.
I am also Chair of the Aberdeenshire Youth Council which has given me many great opportunities, and has let me build relationships with council members, MP's, MSP's, Grampian Police etc.
Any questions, feel free to find me on Facebook or drop me an email at alze21@hotmail.co.uk.
