THERE are only days left for young people across North Ayrshire to stand for the Scottish Youth Parliament and raise issues that matter to them and their community.

The Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people and the elections - which will be held in March 2015 - are currently open to North Ayrshire youngsters aged between 14 and 25. But nominations but be received by this Friday, October 31.

Four members will be elected to represent the constituencies of Cunninghame North and Cunninghame South.

In their roles as MSYPs, they will take part in local youth forums, consult with their peers on a range of issues, help out with training sessions and lobby senior politicians on things that matter to young people in their constituencies.

The Scottish Youth Parliament meets up to three times every year at different locations across Scotland. North Ayrshire Youth Champion, Councillor Ruth Maguire said: “It is vital that our young people are given a voice and the Scottish Youth Parliament plays an important role in modern politics.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament has had excellent representation from North Ayrshire in recent years. Having had the pleasure of meeting and working with a variety of local young people, I know we have an abundance of bright, engaged and tenacious young folk who would do a fantastic job as a North Ayrshire MSYP.

“I strongly encourage any young person with an interest in representing the views of their peers to consider standing as Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament in next year’s elections.” Register your interest at www.syp.org.uk/elections Once signed up, the young people will be invited along to an information session to learn about the role and thereafter they can decide if they wish to apply.