Fourteen young people from North Ayrshire have put their names forward to contest the area’s four seats at the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The winning candidates – two in Cunninghame North and two in Cunninghame South – will represent the area in the Scottish Youth Parliament for two years from June 2015, after sitting members Sian Hughes, Nairn McDonald, and Joshua McCormick stand down.

Current member Zoe Nix, has come forward as a candidate for the next session.

The candidates for Cunninghame North (in alphabetical order) are: Emily Aitken – Fairlie; John Snoddy – Saltcoats; Megan Reid – Largs.

The candidates for Cunninghame South (in alphabetic order) are: Amy Cowan – Irvine; Courtney Gemmell – Stevenston; Dara Howie – Irvine; David Dunlop – Irvine; Erin McAuley – Irvine; John Shekleton – Irvine; John Wilson – Stevenston; Michael Burns – Kilwinning; Rory James MacPhee – Kilwinning; Victoria Thomas – Irvine; and Zoe Nix – Irvine.

Young people between the age of 14 and 25 can cast their vote between the March 2 and 13 at secondary schools, colleges and community centres throughout North Ayrshire using their Young Scot card.

The results will be announced by North Ayrshire’s Returning Officer, Elma Murray, at Cunninghame House on Friday, March 13.

The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people. It represents young people all over Scotland, and gives them a national platform to voice their issues, turn them into positive actions, and influence Scotland’s decision makers.

In their roles as MSYPs, they will take part in local youth forums, consult with their peers on a range of issues, help out with training sessions and lobby senior politicians on things that matter to young people in their constituencies.

Current MSYP for Cunninghame North, Sian Hughes, who has withdrawn from standing in the upcoming election in order to focus on her university studies, has reflected on her time as an MSYP and offers this advice: “If I was going to give any advice to the candidates, it would be to have confidence in who you are and what you believe in. Always have faith in your abilities as you can achieve some really great things as an MSYP.

“I got to travel across Scotland to take part in events, campaigns and Youth Parliament sittings, as well regularly working with the local Council, Elected Members, fellow MSYPs and the wider community. The opportunities are literally endless.

“For me, the most rewarding thing is consulting with the young people of North Ayrshire and taking their views to people who can really make a difference. It was through doing this that I delivered a members motion on mental health awareness in schools, which was passed by the SYP membership and has now become part of their policy.

“I am incredibly proud of everything that I have been involved in with the SYP and I have no doubt that the next set of candidates will be well up to the job. I wish them all good luck – and most importantly, I hope they enjoy it as much as I have!” North Ayrshire’s Returning Officer, Elma Murray, said: “I am delighted that so many young people have taken an interest in representing the voice of their peers by becoming an MSYP for North Ayrshire.

“I wish all the candidates success during their campaigns and I look forward to announcing the four representatives in March.” All manifestos for Cunninghame North and Cunninghame South candidates are available online at www.syp.org.uk.

Pictured above are all 14 candidates, from left to right: (top row) Emily Aitken – Cunninghame North; John Snoddy – Cunninghame North; Megan Reid – Cunninghame North; Amy Cowan – Cunninghame South; Courtney Gemmell – Cunninghame South; Dara Howie – Cunninghame South; David Dunlop – Cunninghame South.

(bottom row) Erin McAuley – Cunninghame South; John Shekelton – Cunninghame South; John Wilson – Cunninghame South; Michael Burns – Cunninghame South; Rory MacPhee – Cunninghame South; Victoria Thomas – Cunninghame South; Zoe Nix – Cunninghame South.