Young people from across Scotland will be represented this weekend at the Scottish Youth Parliament’s (SYP)’s 84th National Sitting, putting their views at the heart of decision-making.
A National Sitting takes place once a year and gives more than 140 Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) a platform to discuss issues affecting young people in their constituencies and National Voluntary Organisations.
During the event, MSYPs take part in a series of activities, such as committee meetings and working groups, to better understand which topics need to be prioritised and how they can be presented to decision-makers at both local and national levels. They also engage in the Members’ Motion — a space where they debate and vote on proposals put forward by fellow MSYPs, which, if passed, become SYP policy.
Further information about our policies can be found in our Policy Log here. You can also read our 2026–2031 manifesto, Dear Scotland’s Future, here.
Ellie Craig, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) and MSYP for Glasgow Cathcart, said:
Sittings are definitely the highlight of SYP’s calendar as they offer MSYPs an opportunity to come together as a Membership on behalf of Scotland’s young people, who might not otherwise have their voices heard. Events like this enable us to turn our ideas into action, allowing us to play a key and active role in the decisions that have a direct impact on our future.
The upcoming Sitting is particularly important following the Scottish Parliament elections, as it will give newly elected MSPs a clearer understanding of the changes young people want to see across Scotland. There’s lots to be done, and we look forward to working with decision-makers throughout the new parliamentary term to ensure young people’s opinions are reflected in local and national discussions.
SYP National Sittings are an important demonstration of Article 12 of the United Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in practice, which states that every young person has the right to express their views freely in matters affecting them and to have those views listened to and taken seriously.
Further information about our work, including our latest campaigns, can be found here.
