Scottish Youth Parliament Election 2011
Following the most successful Scottish Youth Parliament election ever in South Ayrshire,
local young people have elected three new Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament
for the Ayr constituency and Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency.
With a total of 4401 votes cast - a massive 166% increase on the 2009 election,
Cameron Fong and Kirsty Lang were elected to serve the Ayr constituency and Jamie
Candlish was elected as South Ayrshire's representative for the Carrick, Cumnock
and Doon Valley constituency (which is shared with East Ayrshire).
The Scottish Youth Parliament represents Scotland's young people aged up to 25 years
and aims to ensure young people's voices are heard on the issues that matter and
to involve them in democratic decision-making processes.
Voting took place throughout the day on Friday 25 March, with polling booths available
in schools, colleges, libraries and other community facilities. The election was
supported by Ayr Guildry, which provided funding to produce posters to promote the
election and the candidates.
Cameron and Kirsty said they were delighted to be elected and thanked everyone who
voted for them. Jamie's campaign team thanked voters on his behalf as he was unable
to attend the count.
David Anderson, Depute Returning Officer for the election and Chief Executive of
South Ayrshire Council, said: "Our congratulations go to all ten young people
who stood in the election - they are a real credit to this area and I'm sure this
is only the start for some of them in the field of politics.
"The young people of South Ayrshire have elected three fantastic representatives
and I look forward to working with them to ensure we continue to take account of
the views of our young people within South Ayrshire Council.
"My thanks go to all the young people who assisted and everyone who helped
run the election count. My thanks also go to all those who took the time to vote
today and helped make this our most successful Scottish Youth Parliament election
ever."