'First, I would like to wish all young people in the constituency, and all readers a Happy New Year. I hope this year is filled with joy and happiness for you and your family.

As we entered this year, it marked the beginning of the Year of Young People 2018, a whole year that has been dedicated to every young person by the Scottish Government. If you know of an exceptional or inspirational young person, let them know you are proud of them and that you cannot wait to see what they will achieve in the year ahead

Keep your eyes peeled for events and celebrations throughout the Cowdenbeath Area, and Fife. There will be plenty happening over the year, for all ages. I cannot wait to see what this year will bring for every young person in the constituency, in Fife and Scotland. I hope you will join in the festivities with us throughout this year.

'We are now nearly a month into the new year and I have gotten straight down to work. We saw the ‘Pupil Improvement Committee’ at Lochgelly High School decide on their new focus, Pupil Safety. It looks to be a busy year for the committee and I cannot wait to share with you the work the young people achieve.

I have held my first surgery of the year, which was well attended. It has given me lots of things to consider and a lot of issues to chase up for the young people of the constituency. I will be holding my next surgery on Tuesday February 6, from 6:45pm to 7:45pm at Lochgelly Centre.

I have also been busy at work getting views from a range of young people and youth groups to form my plan for the year. I hope to launch this in the coming weeks, if you have something specific you would like me to focus on this year then do not hesitate to get in touch and let me know.

Lastly, I have been working to promote the Scottish Youth Parliament’s national campaign ‘Right Here, Right Now’ which is calling on the Scottish Government to incorporate the UNCRC into Scots Law to ensure that children’s rights are enshrined into law. I have been busy working with schools and elected members to promote the UNCRC and I have lots planned for this year. I cannot wait for you all to see where this campaign goes, and all the work I get up too.

If any young person (12-25) has an issue/concern they’d like me to raise, or wants to know more about my work, please get in touch by emailing hello@syp.org.uk, or following me on Twitter: @BaileyLeeMSYP.