New South Ayrshire Youth Council Launched

An event was held at County Buildings on Friday 30 August to launch the new South Ayrshire Youth Council.

Local young people were invited to meet South Ayrshire Councillors and members of the Executive Leadership Team to participate in a variety of activities. The pupils spent time reviewing statements from earlier consultations with young people from across South Ayrshire. They then worked together to agree on the key priorities to take forward from the consultation and proposed solutions to any issues surrounding these.

The Youth Council was elected on 20 June 2024, with 2558 young people across South Ayrshire turning out to cast their votes.

Young people who live, study, or work in South Ayrshire were encouraged to sign up as candidates and design their own campaigns - either through posters, videos, or PowerPoints.

53 candidates stood and 25 were elected by their peers as members of the new Youth Council. They range in age from S1 school pupils, all the way up to school leavers of 21 years of age.

The elected candidates are:

Ayr Academy:

Blair Johnstone S6

Kara Nelson S6

Belmont Academy:

Anakin McMillan S2

Ewan Clark S4

Carrick Academy:

Tynam Baird S2

Katie White S2

Girvan Academy:

Declan Griffin S4

Aicha May Boudial S6

Kyle Academy:

Jenna Steele S2

Jack Beard S5

Marr College:

Timur Zinchenko S3

Itai Ben Horesh S3

Prestwick Academy:

Lauchlan Mclean S3

Alex Alexander S4

Southcraig:

Brian Farrell S6

Kieran Mitchell Gordon S5

Queen Margaret Academy:

Ben Clifford S2

Sarah Wright S2

Virtual School

Aaryn Hughes S4

Kayla Hughes S3

Over 16, School leavers:

Beth Barry

Bethany Mclean

Kai Newall

Martin Calder

One pupil was also elected from Invergarven School.  Additionally, four representatives from the Primary 7 age group will be appointed by the Youth Council in the new 2024/25 term.

The group of young people will have the opportunity to get involved in making decisions that affect people within their age group and voice the needs of their community.

Participation will also allow the young people to develop their communication and leadership skills, get involved in planning youth events, and meet new people.

Councillor William Grant, Education Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "Its brilliant to see young people from across South Ayrshire taking an active role in representing their peers and driving change. There's also an opportunity to gain valuable experiences and learn skills that could shape their futures!"