You can still put yourself forward to stand as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Orkney – but time is running out!

If you are aged 14-25 and would like to know more, please contact the Council’s Community Learning Officer Richard.smith@orkney.gov.uk

Nominations to put yourself forward as a candidate will be open until 2pm 11 November.

Former MSYP for Orkney, Jack Norquoy, says young voices are vital for the future wellbeing of our nation.

"Giving young people a voice in how our local communities are run will help achieve better decision-making both in the long and short term. This is especially important in Orkney where we need to retain our young people to live, study and build careers in the isles. 

"A strength of any community is how it supports its young people. Following the pandemic, it's all the more vital that the prosperity of the next generation is at the heart of our recovery. This is a process that should involve and engage young people who have the enthusiasm and optimism to make the world a better place."

Jack says he gained in confidence from his experiences as an MSYP which has stood him in good stead for the future.

"I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent the islands which was a very rewarding experience. Whether it was working alongside local charities and organisations or seeking change to national policy, the personal development and gaining of many invaluable skills throughout has offered great benefit through my studies and now into the world of work.

"While experiences such as meeting the Scottish Cabinet to secure the incorporation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child into Scots Law or speaking from the House of Commons despatch box stand out, it's the friendships and connections that I made along the way I really value the most. Getting to meet people from across the country and share about growing up in the islands was a real pleasure."

"There was the saying that being involved with SYP was 'a little about politics and a lot about you' which could not have been truer. There are many fantastic opportunities as an MSYP, and with the Orkney Youth Forum, for the taking and I would strongly encourage anyone interested in standing to give it a go."