Shetland’s young parliamentarian nominated for variety award

Shetland’s member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Nicole Mouat, has been nominated for The Scottish Variety Awards Best Up and Coming Scottish Politician 2011, alongside five other MSYPs from throughout Scotland.

Elected as member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Shetland in December 2008, Nicole has represented the isles’ young folk at a local, national and international level.
Nicole was “thrilled and shocked” to have been nominated.

“After two years as an MSYP, it’s amazing to be recognised for all the work that’s been done nationally and locally,” she said. “I think it’s brilliant to have the opportunity to represent the young people of Shetland and give them the chance to be heard. It’s what the Scottish Youth Parliament is all about, showing that young people can make a difference even though they can’t vote.”

Nicole paid tribute to Shetland Islands Council support worker Martin Summers and chair of Shetland Youth Voice Emily Shaw for the help they have given her.

Councillor Bill Manson, the SIC spokesman for education, children and young people, said he was delighted to learn about the nomination.

“It is a just reward for the amount and quality of work Nicole has done. She has been an outstanding representative for Shetland’s young people and well deserves to win the final award.”

Tavish Scott MSP said: “I’m delighted Nicole has been nominated. It’s well deserved given the power of work she’s been putting in representing Shetland in the Youth Parliament. Here’s hoping she wins!”

Among other activities, the Scalloway lass has organised secondary school question and answer sessions with Mr Scott throughout Shetland. These are set to continue this year.

During late 2009 the Scottish Youth Parliament launched its “Picture the Change” national consultation, in preparation for the Scottish Parliamentary elections this year. The aim was to make sure that young people were heard clearly in the SYP’s “youth manifesto”. Nicole and some friends toured Shetland and consulted young people throughout the isles. They travelled over 172 miles by land and sea and took 4,062 statements.

The awards ceremony takes place at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Glasgow on 19th March and you can vote for her at www.clyde1.com/Article.asp?id=2079397.