Ronan MacPhee, 18, from Benbecula is running for election to the Scottish Youth Parliament
Young people all over Scotland can influence decision-making through the Scottish Youth Parliament. Members, elected to represent constituencies, run regular campaigns, which have recently focussed on themes such as mental health and climate change, and are involved in consultations with numerous organisations including the Scottish Government.
Ronan, who is running to represent the Western Isles, said: “I want to see a change in our community and to help young people express their views. I would like to help young people who use British Sign Language or Makaton to speak up and share their opinions. I remember when I was younger I felt scared to speak up and I hope that I can be a voice for anyone who feels that way.”
Ronan has based his campaign on coastal erosion and the environment, equality and human rights and justice.
As he currently volunteers for seven different organisations across Uist, Ronan is taking his experiences from that into his campaign.
“My biggest concern for the environment has been coastal erosion on our islands. I have been campaigning on the issue since S2 in high school. I joined the climate action group for the Western Isles and my main focus is to create awareness for this issue, not just here where we live but on the mainland so that they know what we are facing here.”
He added: “I volunteer on a climate change group for the Western Isles, a COP26 co-design group, Uist local energy plan, I run holiday clubs, help in the foodbank and the befriending service as well as working in the Tagsa community gardens.”
Ronan helps out as a relief worker at local primary and nursery schools while also being the host of a new food initiative, Neighbour Food.
He concluded: “We have to make them, the Scottish Government, hear us. We can’t make the changes but we can show them that we have a voice and we need them to help us.”
Voting for the election is now live until February 28th 2022, and you can vote via the Young Scot website if you are aged 14-25.
