A PUPIL from Auchinleck Academy has been elected as Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley’s Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) representative.

Terri Brown from Auchinleck was chosen by the young people of the region to represent them at the vote in March.

Ahead of the Parliament’s first sitting on Saturday, Terri still can’t believe she was chosen. She said: “Not at all, I didn’t expect to get elected. I was up against really strong competition.

“I had to write a manifesto, which is on the SYP website, and I want to promote the rights of pupils. There is a lack of help for pupils with mental health issues and there are no gender neutral bathrooms in any schools.

“I want to go and visit schools and talk to teachers to promote LGBTI and mental health issues.”

In her manifesto Terri pledged: “As a shy person myself I know what it’s like to have an opinion and not have it listened to. Since growing in confidence I have found my voice and I have been voicing my opinion so I would like to continue to do this on a larger scale which can be achieved with the Scottish Youth Parliament.

“I have been making progress on various LGBTI issues within my school which I would like to continue to do on a bigger scale with the Scottish Youth Parliament. I want to make a difference and have a positive impact on my community which I believe I can do.”

Terri was in Edinburgh this weekend where she was inducted as an MSYP. She feels that her predecessor a big factor behind her decision to stand.

She added: “Our current MSYP, Kaitlyn Moran, inspired me. I really look up to her. I want to give a voice to young people in our area. We live in a small area, it’s not like Glasgow so it’s harder. My friends have been really impressed and really supportive.”

Mum Julie was understandably delighted with her daughter. She said: “I’m dead proud of her. Whenever Terri has a strong view on something, she will stand up for herself and make her voice heard. She will stand up for other people as well so good luck to her.”