Ernie commended for youth parliament work

A member of Orkney Islands Council’s community learning and development team has been recognised for his work helping the county’s young people make a difference to the lives of their peers, at the recent 2017 Scottish Youth Parliament Awards.

Ernie Skea, community learning and development officer, was awarded a special commendation in the ‘Ros Clark Support Worker of the Year’ award, for his work with Orkney Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) and encouraging young people to get involved in the forum.

Mr Skea has worked helping engage local young people with the Scottish Youth Parliament for six years.

Speaking about the award, presented at a ceremony in Edinburgh last month, he said: “I feel it’s really the young people who put in the hard work — I am just there to support and guide them through the process.

“It’s always a great honour and privilege to work with young people who put themselves forward, and inspirational to see our MYSP’s develop their skills and confidence in such a short space of time, to meet the challenges and potential of the role.”