MSYPs benefit from Tesco award Shetlands Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) Emily Shaw and

Nicole Mouat were presented with a cheque for 4000 yesterday by Tesco Store Manager, Paul Clelland. The MSYPs received the award from Tescos Charity Trust to help with the cost of attending Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) sittings and events throughout Scotland. Both Emily and Nicole work locally to represent the interests of young people in Shetland through Youth Voice, surgeries and participating in local events. This award will allow them to participate nationally on the same terms as other MSYPs from across Scotland and ensure that geographically isolated young people are not excluded from discussions on issues that affect them. Martin Summers, the Councils support worker for the MSYPs said: Without this kind of financial support, Emily and Nicole would lose out on huge development opportunities and the SYP would not benefit from their considerable commitment and skills They have both committed so much already in the local area, they deserve to be supported to take things to the next level. This award will help to ensure that the voices of Shetlands 2977 young people are heard loud and clear across the whole of Scotland. Hamira Khan, Scottish Youth Parliament Chief Officer said: For a diverse organisation like the Scottish Youth Parliament, ensuring that we represent all young people from across Scotland is vital, and having the financial support of Tesco ensures that the interests of young people from the islands are very well represented. Having responsibility for ensuring the voice of young people are heard by decision makers can be demanding, but living in a remote island community requires an extra special commitment, something which Emily and Nicole demonstrate every day. ENDS Contact: Martin Summers, Youth Development Worker 01595 74 3894 Photograph of Emily and Nicole being presented the cheque by Paul Clelland available from communications@shetland.gov.uk

Shetland Islands Council - Press Release Executive Manager, Peter Peterson: 01595 744 538 Communications Officer, Elaine McGregor: 01595 744 535 Date Issued: 25 January 2012

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