COWDENBEATH’S Katie Heeps said you “don’t have to be interested in politics” to become a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The MSYP for the Cowdenbeath Area is encouraging others to follow in her footsteps with elections taking place across Scotland in March 2015. These area open to young Fifers aged between 14 and 25 and Katie said, “I’ve really enjoyed my time as a MSYP. I’ve learned a lot and developed my own skills.

“As an MSYP you don’t have to be interested in politics, you just have to want to make a difference for Scotland’s young people.

“I’d say to any young person thinking about standing as a candidate to go for it!” Katie is joined by Finley George in representing Cowdenbeath.

The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people, campaigning on the issues which matter to young Scots.

It provides young people with a national platform to voice their issues, turn them into positive actions, and influence Scotland’s decision makers. Young Fifers who would like to stand as a candidate have until Friday 31st October to register their interest or find out more information at www.fifedirect.org.uk/msyp Julie Dickson, Area Community Learning and Development team leader, added, “We’ve always had a fantastic response from young people in Fife wanting to stand as MSYP candidates.

“In the 2013 election Fife had 53 candidates and it would be great if we can encourage even more young people to register their interest this time.

“Being a MSYP does involve a lot of hard work and dedication but it really is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved and represent the views of young Fifers at a national level.”