YOUNG Borderers with a passion for politics are being urged to register their interest for next year’s Scottish Youth Parliament elections.

The elections are due to take place in March and those aged between 14 and 25 are eligible to stand.

The democratically-elected Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) aims to give Scotland’s youngsters a voice.

With the decision makers of Scotland taking notice, it allows young people to campaign on the issues which they feel matter most.

There are three Scottish Borders MYSPs, elected by their peers. They are supported by staff from Scottish Borders Youth Voice to attend three sittings of the SYP a year and to deliver and develop local and national campaigns. They can also sit as members or convenors of committee groups.

MYSPs normally serve a two-year term, but two Borders representatives had to stand down early to attend university. A by-election was held in June which saw Alex Morgan elected to represent Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale and Lucy Lauder as MSYP Elect for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire.

Outgoing Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSYP Sanna Aziz said: “Thank you for the opportunity to represent the young people of this constituency for a year at the Scottish Youth Parliament. It has been the most amazing year of my life, making sure that we the young people aren’t forgotten.”

And outgoing Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire representative Tanya Thomson, added: “The past year has been absolutely amazing and I’m gutted to step down. I have made so many memories and new friends. I couldn’t have asked to work with more amazing people.”

Councillor Carol Hamilton, executive member for children and young people, added: “I would like to thank our outgoing MSYPs for all their hard work and commitment over the past year and wish them all the very best with their future careers.

“As they have said, being a MYSP is an extremely rewarding and worthwhile experience and I would encourage young people from across the Borders to follow their example and find out more about what they could achieve by taking part.

“All candidates are given full training by Scottish Borders Youth Voice to develop their skills and confidence, making them ready to run their campaign for the March elections. Once elected, MYSPs continue to be supported to carry out their responsibilities to the best of their ability.

“This really is an opportunity not to be missed and I look forward to seeing how the nominations progress and meeting the young people who are keen to be involved. It is particularly important in the Year of Young People that we make sure their voices are heard and the Youth Parliament is a vital platform for making this happen.”

Anyone interested in standing for the 2019 election is being asked to register their interest by visiting: elections.syp.org.uk/elections and completing the Expression of Interest Form.

The Expression of Interest period is open until Wednesday, October 31. Applicants will be invited to a meeting at the start of November where they can meet the current MSYPs and be helped to develop their candidate profile and plan their campaign.

Campaigning for the election will begin in January next year with the election itself being held between March 15 and 29.

The results will be announced at a declaration event on Friday, March 29, at council headquarters in Newtown St Boswells.

To register as a candidate, visit: elections.syp.org.uk/elections

Information is also available at: www.syp.org.uk and www.scotborders.gov.uk/syp