Orkney’s two MSYPs take their seat

Nymeria Drayak and Iain Pretswell – both from South Ronaldsay – have started office as Orkney’s two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Between them, they’ve pledged to put inclusivity, an anti-bullying culture, access to services and environmental issues high on their agendas over their two years serving Orkney’s young people.

They started their roles as MSYPs on 1st February 2024, taking over from MSYP Kaydence Drayak who had served as Orkney’s MSYP for three years.

Iain and Nymeria have hit the ground running, taking part in SYP welcome event for all MSYPs across Scotland, followed closely by several induction sessions on what it means to be an MSYP and the code of conduct, rights and meaningful participation, political impartiality, and democracy including working with decision makers and campaigning with SYP.

They’ve been meeting with the Council’s Youth Services team – part of the Council's Community Learning, Development and Employability service - to set up smooth channels of communication.

Welcoming them to their role, Cheryl Rafferty, OIC's Youth Services team leader said: “We’ve spent the last few weeks since Orkney’s results were confirmed getting to know our new MSYPs a bit better – I now look forward to working with our new MSYPs to them to help them channel their passion and energy within their roles as MSYPs and bring about they change they want to see.”

Nymeria said: "I'm really looking forward to this new opportunity. I can't wait to see what changes I can make for young people in the Orkney islands!"

Iain said: “I am delighted to begin work on highlighting and addressing key issues facing young people in Orkney - one of my primary goals locally will be tackling bullying within Orkney. Another will be environmental law, which I am thrilled to start work on."

Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said: “Scottish Youth Parliament provides young people an opportunity to challenge decision makers on a national stage - I wish our two MSYPs the very best as they use this valuable platform to help bring about change and a better understanding of the particular challenges for rural communities and the young people who live here.

“I’d also like to thank Kaydence for her service to the young people of Orkney over the past few years – at a time when many young people were under incredible stress due to the pandemic, she showed great resolve and willingness to work on a range of issues including right to food and disability support, with great care, dedication and clarity. We all wish Kaydence well on her next chapter.”

Notes:
The announcement of Scotland’s new MSYPs was delayed a week late in 2023, due to technical difficulties with votes cast from mobile devices. However Orkney was not affected, as Nymeria and Iain were uncontested.