Chosen candidates take a bow

A GROUP of young people are starting 2024 as the region’s newest councillors.

They were successful in the Dumfries and Galloway’s Regional Youth Council elections and were voted in by thousands of 12-25 year olds living locally.

The 35 chosen youngsters will volunteer as youth representatives over the next two years.

Four of them are Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) for the region; there are 24 Ward Youth Councillors; seven are Nominated Youth Councillors, representing groups including young parents, young carers, care experienced young people, ethnic minority youth, Gypsy/Traveller youth, LGBT youth and young people with additional support needs and disabilities.

Speaking about the elections, outgoing chairperson of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council and MSYP for Galloway and West Dumfries, Finlay Anderson said: “The youth elections have provided an opportunity for young people to take part in the democratic process across Dumfries and Galloway. I would like to wish the new cohort of young people elected to the Youth Council and Scottish Youth Parliament every success over the next two years, and to continue building on the good work undertaken by Youth Council members over the last two terms since 2019.”

And Councillor Ian Blake, from Dumfries and Galloway Council, added: “I am delighted to have seen the youth elections unfold, with 3659 young people turning out to have their say.

“Congratulations to all new elects who have been successful.”