Year of Young People ambassadors for West Lothian are announced

Eleven young champions have been announced as Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors for West Lothian.

The Year of Young People 2018 will provide a platform to showcase the personalities, talents and achievements of Scotland’s young people.

In addition, it will strengthen young people’s voices and give them an opportunity to directly influence policy and decision making on issues which affect their lives.

The Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors have been selected to promote the incredible opportunities on offer to young Scots in West Lothian.

The ambassadors for West Lothian are: Gabrielle McClymont (16), Amy Moffat (17), Alice Redding (8), Gaelle Speight (11), Robyn Speight (12), Meredith Adams (23), Owen Craig (15), Jak-Leanne Durrant (17), Matthew Swan (21), Alice Ferguson (15) and Anna Ramsay (23).

All the ambassadors in West Lothian will be involved in making sure that young people and organisations in their communities know about Year of Young People 2018 activities, while getting involved in projects with local authority and other partners.

They’ll also encourage their peers and older generations to challenge negative stereotypes of young people within communities.

Young people in West Lothian are also being encouraged to apply for the next round of Create18 funding by January 22, for events taking place between July and December.

Create18 is a funding programme administered by young people, on behalf of EventScotland, for young event organisers.

West Lothian’s Executive councillor for education David Dodds said:“West Lothian has some amazing young people, who make a huge contribution to their communities. I’m delighted that we are celebrating and supporting them through the Year of Young People 2018. Special congratulations to all the West Lothian young people chosen as ambassadors. We look forward to working with you to help demonstrate the positive impact young people can have on society.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s, director of events, said:“We are delighted to be supporting Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 with a year-long programme of events that will celebrate our amazing young talent and provide opportunities for young people to express themselves through culture, sport and a wide range of other activities. As part of the nation-wide programme of events, Create18 provides a fantastic and unique opportunity for young people to shine throughout 2018 by hosting their own local events. The events will put young people in the driving seat, celebrating their creativity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit as well as bringing Scotland’s Year of Young People straight to the heart of communities across the country.”

Jackie Brock, chief executive of Children in Scotland, said:“The aims of the Year of Young People 2018 - encouraging young people to become leaders within their communities and beyond, and supporting them to benefit from new opportunities, are key to our values and our collaboration with Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament. We are delighted to support YOYP2018 and look forward to the coming year.”

Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, said:“Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 will celebrate our