Hannah and Mouat elected as MSYPs

THE FEMALE dominance of young parliamentarians from Shetland continues after Catherine Hannah (15) and Kaylee Mouat (almost 17) were elected to represent the isles in the Scottish Youth Parliament until June 2015.

The two pupils from Sandwick Junior High School and Anderson High School won the vote to serve as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) after a closely fought contest.

The election result was announced in front of all eight candidates by returning officer Jan Riise in the Lerwick town hall on Monday.

Both MSYPs were elected after round six in the single transferable vote count. A total of 858 valid ballots had been cast.

Speaking after their election success Hannah and Mouat both said they wanted to thank everybody who had supported them.

Mouat said she was keen to get more young people interested in politics.

“I am very much in favour for the right to vote at 16, equal pay, and also recognise how important it is that what the young people of Shetland  have to say will be listened to by people on the mainland.”

Hannah added that it was important to make politics more interesting and meaningful to young people.

She said she would like to focus on volunteering opportunities for teenagers across the isles.

They replace current members Nicole Mouat and Emily Shaw.