TWO NEW Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament have been elected to represent Cunninghame North.

Following a week of online voting, Eilidh Macpherson, 15, from Arran, and Emily Eadie, 15, from Skelmorlie, were announced as the two successful candidates.

There were 2,938 votes cast over the five days voting was open, representing 75 per cent of the school population over the six secondaries and additional supports needs schools in the area.

A total of seven candidates put forward their manifestos to prospective voters before voting opened on Monday, February 1.

In their new roles as MSYPs, Eilidh and Emily 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 issues that matter to young people in their constituencies.

North Ayrshire’s Youth Champion, Councillor Ruth Maguire, said: “I would like to congratulate both Eilidh and Emily and commend all of the candidates who showed their willingness to engage with the democratic process by putting themselves forward for election.

“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 theirs peers, and help to ensure that the Council is aware of the issues which affect young people.

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

The full list of results is as follows: Pauline Airlie (14) of Garnock Academy, Kilbirnie - 165 Jocelyn Allison (15) of St Matthews Academy, Saltcoats - 298 Ruairidh Anderson (16) of Ardrossan Academy - 359 Ellie Bonner (14) of Arran High School - 232 Emily Eadie (15) of Largs Academy - 566 Eilidh Macpherson (15) of Arran High School - 821 Cadely Paton (14) of Garnock Academy - 219.