Visit of the Scottish Youth Parliament to Cullen 27th-28th August 2005

The Moray Council is delighted to be hosting the August meeting of the Scottish Youth Parliament, which will take place in Cullen on 27^th and 28^th August. 

The Scottish Youth Parliament was set up in 1999 and it is now the largest elected group of young people in Europe.  Rajiv Joshi, from Glasgow, chairs the Parliament, and all the members are aged between fourteen and twenty-five. The Parliament works along similar lines to the Scottish Parliament and comprises 10 Subject Committees, which ensures that the national politicians are able to take the views of young people into consideration when planning policy.  Robin James, a former pupil at Forres Academy, is the current chair of the Culture and Media Subject Committee.

Over 100 members from across Scotland will attend the event at the Town Hall and Seafield Hotel.  The Parliament will debate topics including the closure of rural schools and wind farms and the Transport, Environment and Rural Affairs Subject Committee will also take the opportunity to visit a wind farm during their stay in Moray. 

On Saturday 27^th August the Convener of the Moray Council will host a Civic Reception for the visit of the Scottish Youth Parliament to Cullen.  The Reception will be attended by Angus Robertson MP, as well as representatives from some of the key members of the Community Planning Partnership, and a number of Councillors.  Entertainment will be provided by local group “Soulmates”.

Thanks go to a number of local businesses who are supporting this event, including Baxters Food Group, Speyside Glenlivet and Walkers Shortbread, and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society who have provided information on the Moray Firth’s wildlife.

Any young person who wishes to find out more about the Scottish Youth Parliament or who would like to attend all or part of the meeting, should contact the Dialogue Youth Co-ordinator, Alison Wright, on 01343 563319 or email alison.wright@moray.gov.uk.

Contact: Joyce Pirie, Public Relations Co-ordinator on 01343 563046