Aberdeenshire Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament debate in Edinburgh

Aberdeenshire Council's Youth and Communities Team had the privilege of supporting the region's seven Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament to take part in the 82nd Scottish Youth Parliament Sitting in the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh on its 25th anniversary.

It was heartening to witness such a diverse gathering of young people from across Scotland debating and working together, with both passion and compassion.

Over two full days the Scottish Youth Parliament presented, debated and agreed several motions where Aberdeenshire MSYPs played key roles.

Mairi Millar, MSYP Angus and Mearns, presented and won her Members Motion to improve ‘accessibility of period products in schools.’

Beth MacKay, MSYP Banffshire and Buchan Coast, and Isla Grant, Aberdeenshire East, as Convener and Deputy Convener of the “External Affairs, UK and International Relations", presented and won their motion for Scotland to take ‘bolder action to improve Scotland’s global climate reputation’.

All seven of Aberdeenshire's MSYPs raised their hands to speak in support of various motions that impacted Aberdeenshire Young People, referencing experiences shared by their own constituents, contributing the success of motions including ‘Access to reliable and affordable broadband’ and the call to ‘Improve the accessibility of public transport’ across Scotland.

When our Aberdeenshire MSYPs were not debating, they were working together in their committees or campaign group workshops.

Whether planning their campaigns, eloquently making their cases to our MSPs, or workshopping practical solutions, based on their rich shared understanding of often complex problems faced by young people today, and their willingness to work as a team, these are young people that are inspiringly hard to ignore.

Two CLD workers also had the chance to meet with local authorities from across Scotland and discussed the opportunities and challenges in supporting and developing youth voice.

They have come back to Aberdeenshire energised and enthusiastic with ideas to further develop Youth Voice in Aberdeenshire, supporting our MSYPs to continue to gather the views of, and represent and advocate for, our young people through this powerful national platform.

You can find out more about the Scottish Youth Parliament Home at https://syp.org.uk/