This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Holyrood Youth Parliament Competition winners
17/06/2004
Pupils from Ayr, Edinburgh and Haddington were today congratulated by First Minister Jack McConnell as he presented them with awards in the Scottish Parliament Chamber.
Mr McConnell and Presiding Officer, George Reid, congratulated the young winners in the first year of the Holyrood model of the National Youth Parliament Competition.
The competition, which has historically focused on the Westminster model, allowed for the first time teams in Scotland the choice to recreate the process of politics and government in the Scottish Parliament - including the opportunity to set up and video their own parliamentary session.
Chosen by a panel of MSPs, Belmont Academy in Ayr was named 'Best Team' and also picked up individual awards for three of its pupils' in the roles of Minister, Opposition Spokesperson, and Backbench MSP. Matthew MacPherson from George Watson's College in Edinburgh was awarded the prize for First Minister. The runner-up team was Knox Academy from Haddington.
The First Minister said:
"It is very encouraging to see the increase in confidence and enthusiasm of young people. The students who took part in this competition have shown that they have these qualities in abundance. I am pleased that so many young Scots are taking an interest in politics. Young people are the leaders of tomorrow, but they also have a real chance to make a difference to themselves, their communities and their country today."
The National Youth Parliament Competition is open to teams of 11-18 year olds across the UK, whether as a school or youth group entry, or independently.
The winners of National Youth Parliament Competition - Holyrood 2003/4 are:
Best Team - Belmont Academy, Ayr
Runner-up Team - Knox Academy, Haddington
Best First Minister - Matthew MacPherson, George Watson's College
Best Minister - Jason Skimming, Belmont Academy
Best Opposition Spokesperson - Lauren Barr, Belmont Academy
Best Backbench MSP - Colin Mitchell, Belmont Academy
George Watson's debate was on anti-social behaviour. Belmont Academy from Ayr, chose to debate a ban on smoking in public places. A timely choice given the recent call for a public consultation on this issue.
George Reid, Presiding Officer, said:
"For Scottish students now to be able to study their own Parliament in this competition is a great step forward in helping the youth of Scotland take responsibility in the political arena."
Matthew MacPherson, 'Best First Minister' from George Watson's College said:
"The mock Holyrood Parliament illustrated that being a politician is a job like no other. Despite many people's ignorance it is a job that really counts. People will say they are not interested in politics but if they care about their healthcare, their children's education and the housing of their loved ones, then they do care about politics and I enjoyed exploring and finding the connection between the people and the Parliament that I am proud to call my own."
'Best Minister' Jason Skimming (6th year), Belmont Academy said:
"The competition showed us all why the Scottish Parliament is so important."
Tony Breslin, Chief Executive of the Citizenship Foundation said:
"It is hugely important that young people in Scotland have the opportunity to learn about the different ways in which they are represented - at both Holyrood and Westminster. The winning students have set a high standard in the first year of this new competition."
The Citizenship Foundation is an independent charity which aims to empower individuals to engage in the wider community through education about the law, democracy and society.