The young must not become disengaged

If there is one thing that all sides agreed upon in the aftermath of the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence it was that the engagement at all levels of society was unsurpassed.

All socio-economic groups were involved and turnout was high across the country. Perhaps the most gratifying aspect was the interest shown among the younger generation.

This was the first time 16 and 17-year-olds had been allowed to vote in a national poll and they rose to the challenge by becoming engaged and involved in the debate.

However, the good work done in 2014 has been allowed to slip, with a sharp decline in the number of young people registering to vote in the forthcoming general election.

Changes to the rules that mean parents cannot sign up their offspring to the electoral roll and universities cannot register students are thought to be responsible for the reduction. In parts of Angus and Dundee the number of school leavers registering to vote has fallen by around 60%.

It would be bad for democracy and present a long-term problem if the good work done in 2014 was lost. Solutions must be found to encourage teenagers to register to vote.

More can be done at home and in school and teachers and parents should be encouraged to teach young people that the right to vote is something to be treasured and used.

Making it as easy as possible to register must also be a priority.