Young people sought for Scottish Youth Parliament

The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratic voice of young people in Scotland, empowering young people to represent their peers, influence decision-makers and campaign on issues that matter to them.

Two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) will be elected to represent Shetland for the two-year term from November 2026 - November 2028.

Applications to stand as a candidate are now open and will close on 25th September 2026. Any young person wishing to submit a candidate profile can do so on the Scottish Youth Parliament's election site: elections.syp.org.uk/elections/.

Young people considering standing for election will be supported through a programme of candidate workshops and training opportunities delivered by the Council's Youth & Employability Service throughout October, helping candidates prepare for the election and develop their skills and confidence.

Voting will take place during a fortnight-long election period from 2nd to 15th November, with the successful candidates due to be announced on Monday 16th November.

Nationally, previous campaigns by the Scottish Youth Parliament have helped secure significant changes for young people across Scotland, including supporting the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law, and campaigning for free bus travel for young people.

Shetland's Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament will be supported in future to lead campaigns and represent young people's issues locally.

Anyone interested in finding out more about this opportunity, should contact Anna Lomax, Election Coordinator by phoning 01595 744490 or emailing [email protected]

Davie Sandison, Chair of the Council's Education & Families Committee, encourages young people to take up this opportunity:

"I'm enthusiastic about involving young people in decision-making and we will continue to support MSYPs in the work of the Council. I'd urge anyone who is interested in being the voice of youth in our community to think about putting themselves forward and standing for the forthcoming SYP elections"

For more information on the Scottish Youth Parliament, please look up: syp.org.uk/

Scottish Youth Parliament's 2026-2031 manifesto details five key themes which the organisation has highlighted as priority issues for young people:

• Accessible, Equitable, and Inclusive Education
• Safe and Supportive Communities
• A Sustainable and Renewable Society
• A Just and Fairer Scotland
• Empowering Young People to Claim their Rights
  

Published: 20th August 2026