YOUNG people in Eskdale have cast their votes in two important elections.
Last Thursday the ballot boxes were available in Langholm Academy and the Xcel Project office for the elections to the Scottish Youth Parliament and Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Youth Council.
The youth council is a new venture so this is the first time there has been a election.
The council is for young people aged 12 to 25 and the youth parliament for those aged 14 to 25. Voters also have to be within those age ranges.
Three candidates stood in Langholm to represent the Annandale East and Eskdale ward: Cameron Greer, S3, Cerys Gough, S4, and Aeryn Mack, S4.
Parliament
Cerys is also standing for the Scottish Youth Parliament and there were 17 candidates for the Scottish parliamentary constituency of Dumfriesshire.
The Youth Council will meet every two months in different venues around the region.
The youth parliament meets three times a year. The types of issues it has campaigned on in the past include lowering the voting age to 16, access to mental health services, young people’s rights, public transport, student loans and LGBT.
Cameron said: “I want to join the youth council because I like representing people who don’t have the know-how or confidence to suggest ideas or changes in the community.
“I hope to take people’s ideas and make them a reality, where possible.”
Cerys said: “I decided to stand as a candidate because I want to help make the community a better place and support young people to achieve their full potential.
Parliament
“If I get selected I hope to be able to encourage the community to focus more on environmental issues and support young people with mental health as that can be an issue especially around exam time.”
Aeryn Mack said: “When I stood for election, I posted about what I was doing and what I’d do if I was elected.
“I said my main focus would be on mental health and improving that in the area and also having more things for young people to do in Langholm. I think there are gaps.
“I’m very nervous but excited about the opportunity to be on the youth council.”
Voting is still open in the town hall until tomorrow (Friday).
The results of both elections will be announced at The Bridge in Dumfries next Monday. It is hoped the candidates, their families and friends will attend.