Six to vie for vacant Scottish Youth Parliament seat

SIX young folk have put themselves forward to stand in the local by-election for a seat at the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The seat became vacant recently after Charlie Haddon stepped down from his role to concentrate on his studies.

The six youngsters, all male, who will stand for election are:

• Leighton Anderson, 15 from Dunrossness
• Alexander Bendix, 20 from Vidlin
• Jonathan Dorrat, 14 from Lerwick
• Dylan Morrish, 17 from Lerwick
• Shane Painter, 15 from Fetlar
• Jamie Sutherland, 14 from Lerwick

People in Shetland aged between 12 and 25 can vote. To do so, they need to use their Young Scot card to vote online here.

Voting will take place from 7am on 4 June until 2pm on 8 June.

The winning candidate will work alongside fellow MSYP Sonny Thomason until June 2019.

Shetland Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell said: “In recent years, our MSYPs have worked hard to raise awareness of issues that have relevance here in Shetland.

“I’m pleased to see six young people standing in this by-election and I’d encourage all those who are eligible to vote to make sure they cast their vote for their preferred candidate.”