Politics / MSYP stands down from role to head to uni
SHETLAND is set to lose another of its Scottish Youth Parliament members as university beckons.
Bertie Summers said he will be standing down from the role on 8 September as he starts studying journalism at the University of Stirling.
It comes after Shetland’s other MSYP Joe Smith stood down after taking on full-time employment. Both were elected in 2024.
“I have loved my time as one of Shetland’s two MSYPs and enjoyed representing my constituents on issues that matter, both inside and outside of Shetland,” Summers said.
“It has been a tremendous honour and a pleasure to articulate the views and concerns of the incredible young people who live here and make these islands as great as they are.
“A highlight for me was attending the 82nd sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament at the end of 2024 – the first sitting in seven years that was held in Holyrood – and where I voted on motions that young people had responded to in our surveys.”
Summers said his message to Shetland’s next MSYPs is that they should be “loyal and faithful” towards the tasks ahead.
“This role is a huge privilege and it should always be recognised as a wonderful form of public service with important responsibilities,” he added.
Summers also thanked support worker Sonny Thomason and Martin Summers, both of the council’s youth and employability service, and children’s services director Samantha Flaws.
A by-election will soon take place to elect two new MSYPs for Shetland, with dates and arrangements announced soon.
The Scottish Youth Parliament recently extended the term of office and MSYPs will now serve until November 2026.
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