Young Orcadians encouraged to run for parliament

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur is encouraging young people in the county to consider standing for the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Nominations for prospective candidates have opened to anyone aged 14-25 and can be submitted before the closing date of October 31. The election will be held in March 2017.

The elected candidates will become Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), representing Orkney at sittings of the Scottish Youth Parliament in different locations across Scotland across the year.

Elected in 2015, Orkney’s current MSYPs are Thorfinn Moffat and Jack Norquoy.

Mr McArthur said: “I have enjoyed working with Jack and Thorfinn, who have been excellent representatives for Orkney in the Scottish Youth Parliament, and indeed the UK Youth Parliament. Like their predecessors in the role, they have shown how Orkney’s MSYPs can give young people in the islands a strong voice.

“They have consistently raised issues that matter to our young people, making sure the island dimension is understood and reflected in the work of the Scottish Youth Parliament.  Parliament is all the better for having that perspective.”

He added: “Thorfinn and Jack will be a tough act to follow, but I would encourage anyone interested to put their names forward for election.”

For more details on standing for the SYP, click here.