FOUR new Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) have been elected to represent North Ayrshire.

A total of 16 candidates put forward their manifestos to prospective voters outlining why they deserve to take on the important role.

And from 15-29 March, young people aged 12-25 from across North Ayrshire had been voting for the candidates they wanted to represent them at the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The total number of votes cast was 3,381. There were 519 spoiled votes, bringing the total number of valid votes to 2,862. And the newest batch of young politicians was officially announced by North Ayrshire’s Returning Officer, Craig Hatton, on Friday (29 March).

The results have named Emily Nix from Irvine and Aaran McDonald from Kilwinning as MSYPs for Cunninghame South. Erin McCluskey from Kilbirnie and David MacDonald from Beith were elected to be the voice of their peers in Cunninghame North.

In their roles as MSYPs, Emily, Aaran, Erin and David will take part in local youth forums, consult with their peers on a range of issues and lobby senior politicians on things that matter the most to young people in their constituencies. They will officially take on the role in June this year for a two year period.

North Ayrshire’s Returning Officer, Craig Hatton, said: “I would like to congratulate Emily, Aaran, Erin and David on being elected as North Ayrshire new MSYPs.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament gives young people a platform which allows their voices to be heard.

“And here in North Ayrshire, the Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament can make a positive difference to the lives of their peers, and help to ensure that the Council is aware of the issues which affect young people.

“I am confident they will do a great job in representing North Ayrshire’s young people and I look forward to working with them”

Councillor Shaun Macaulay, North Ayrshire’s Youth Champion added: “It takes guts, dedication and a real passion to make a difference to put yourself forward for an election – so well done to each and every single one of the candidates for stepping up and putting themselves in the running. I look forward to working with them.”