Three young people from South Ayrshire have been elected as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs).

Joshua Hayward Brown is the new MSYP-elect for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, while Evie Tougher and Matthew McColm will represent the Ayr constituency.

The Scottish Youth Parliament exists to raise the voices of Scotland’s young people - making sure decision makers listen to and involve them in the choices that affect their lives.

The trio were welcomed at an event held the University of the West of Scotland campus in Ayr by youth volunteer Zara McFarlane,and Lyndsay McRoberts, South Ayrshire Council’s depute chief executive and director of education.

The event was also attended by councillors, South Ayrshire Council’s leadership team and around 35 young people from primary and secondary schools across the area.

Ms McRoberts said: “I’d like to congratulate our new MSYP-elects on their success. They have a crucial role to play going forward, from representing young people across the country to running impactful campaigns.

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“I’m sure they will be catalysts for positive change, and I look forward to working with them to make sure the voices of our young people continue to be heard.”

Evie said: “I had an amazing day. I really enjoyed hearing lots of young people’s views and speaking to key decision makers about issues that affect me and my friends.”

Matthew added: "The event was brilliant. It was an invaluable experience not only for myself and my fellow MSYP-elects, but to all the members of youth groups that attended to meet the key decision makers within South Ayrshire and get to know them a bit better.”

Joshua said: “I liked the interaction with everyone on the day. It’s really important to make sure young people’s voices are heard and we take on board the feedback from these kind of events.”