Monday, 30 January 2012

Whiteford Hears Young People's Input On Local Issues

SNP Banff and Buchan MP, Dr Eilidh Whiteford, this week visited Fraserburgh Academy to meet with representatives of the Academy’s pupil council and the Fraserburgh Youth Council to hear their views on a range of issues.

Topics under discussion ranged from of activities for young people in Fraserburgh to the extension of the vote to 16 and 17 year olds in the forthcoming independence referendum and future elections.
Dr Whiteford
Mark Buchan, Chair, Fraserburgh Youth Council

Fraserburgh Academy Pupil Council
Fraserburgh Youth Council

Speaking after the meeting, Dr Whiteford commented:
  
“I was delighted to be able to meet with the Fraserburgh Youth Council and the Fraserburgh Academy Pupil Council and hear their views on a whole range of current issues. It is great to see a large number of young people who have an inspiring sense of civic duty and are willing to act and get involved to make their town a better place.”

“The young folk also displayed a genuine interest in the forthcoming independence referendum. They had their own well-considered opinions and questions on the issue, and it was clear that they were itching to have their say in the debate. For me, this perfectly illustrated the argument for the right to vote in the referendum and all elections to be extended to 16 and 17 year olds. On the basis of my experience with young people of that age, I do not see how anyone could consider denying them that right, and their say.”

Mark Buchan, 16, Chairman of Fraserburgh Youth Council and in his 5th year at Fraserburgh Academy commented:

“This was a really good opportunity for young people to engage with their local MP. I hope it  has given Dr Whiteford an indication of young people’s priorities for the town and sends a positive message about young people in general, that we are enthusiastic and want to be involved and empowered in our communities.”