Young people across East Ayrshire urged to make their…

Young people across East Ayrshire urged to make their voices heard in Scottish Youth Parliament elections

With just days left in the Scottish Youth Parliament elections, East Ayrshire councillor Claire Leitch is urging young people to vote and ensure their voice is heard

Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley; and Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley make up the constituencies in the region, with a host of candidates looking for votes from young people between the ages of 12 and 25.

You can find out more about the candidates and take part in voting by visiting elections.syp.org.uk

Councillor Leitch has been a champion for young people getting involved in the running of the area since being elected.

And she is in no doubt that the qualities she has seen in those she has worked with will ensure the area will be well represented.

She said: "I’ve seen first-hand the excellent work and commitment from all at East Ayrshire's youth cabinet, and how young people can revel in the challenge and responsibility that being a member brings.

Councillor Claire Leitch (Ayrshire Post)

"Each young person has displayed exceptional commitment in their own ways, and in important areas such as LGBTQ+ and Climate Change.

"The influence young people have over progressive issues are not just confined to their own generation, but will have ripple effects going beyond themselves as the ideas they agree are formally ratified into services and practices.

"The way in which young people use their voices in East Ayrshire means they can bring a whole host of other voices with them, and is done in a way that is engaging, fun and progressive."

Here are the candidates for both constituencies and their three main priority areas.