YOUNG Borderers are entering the final weeks of their campaigns to become Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) ahead of the Scottish Youth Parliament election in March.

A total of 11 young people, across the Borders, expressed an interest in standing as a candidate to represent the young people in their local area.

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people. It represents young people all over Scotland, and gives young Scots a national platform to voice their issues, turn them into positive actions, and influence Scotland’s decision makers. Young people will be able to cast their vote to elect their local MSYP on Wednesday 11th March 2015 at their local school.

The Scottish Youth Parliament campaigns on the issues that matter most to Scotland’s young people, and MSYPs are drivers of positive change. Through her role as an MSYP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Nicola Pringle Chaired the Education and Lifelong Learning committee, working in partnership with the Scottish Government on projects such as the Wood Commission.

Speaking about her experience as an MSYP, Nicola said: “Being an MSYP has given me the opportunity to campaign on so many issues that matter to young people.

“I want to encourage everyone standing in the elections to make the most of this fantastic opportunity. Being an MSYP will change your life, and most importantly, it will give you the chance to change the lives of others too.

“I’ve been at the heart of campaigns which have helped to shape historic changes in our society, such as the lowering of the voting age, 'aye, naw, mibbe’ which engaged with young people ahead of the independence referendum about the importance of voting, and the implementation of policies to help young carers facing financial hardship.

“I am so proud of all that I have been a part of as an MSYP, and I want to wish the very best of luck to those standing as candidates in the 2015 SYP elections.”