Arran High School pupil is new MSYP for Cunninghame North

Emma Henderson, who is an S5 pupil at Arran High School, will represent the ward of Cunninghame North following the resignation of MSYP Adam Johnson of Saltcoats to focus on his academic studies at Largs Academy.

As Adam was still in his two-year tenure, Scottish Youth Parliament allocated the role to the candidate who had the most votes after him when the SYP elections were concluded in March 2024.

Emma called her tenure a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to make change to policies that affect her and her peers, describing it as “wonderful” to step into the role of an MSYP.

She said: “During my time as an MSYP, I want to focus on improving the mental health services here in Cunninghame North, campaign to make the education system one where all young people can benefit from it and advocate for better access to youth work opportunities.

“However, I do want to acknowledge the hard work that Adam has put in over the past year and I wish him the best of luck for the future.”

Emma will join the other elected members acting on behalf of North Ayrshire’s young people aged between 12 and 25 at a local and national level.

Emma is also involved in raising awareness of Scottish Youth Parliament’s current SYP Manifesto consultation, where young people are being asked to share their views on a range of issues.

She added: “Young people’s lives are impacted daily by decisions makers, and the SYP Manifesto consultation only comes around once every five years, so I encourage all young people to take part in the consultation.

“It is their opportunity to exercise Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and make their voices heard.”

Emma’s fellow MSYPs are Rhyan Gorrie (Garnock Academy) in Cunninghame North, as well as Emma Burns (Irvine Royal) and Freya Fitzsimmons (St Matthews Academy) in Cunninghame South.

The MSYP’s key priorities currently include reducing poverty and inequality, tackling climate change, improving transport links for young people, and supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing.