Rowan Doherty
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Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire
Why do you want to be an MSYP?
I want to stand because every young person should be able to participate in decisions that affect them. I’m disabled, and I’ve had experiences where an opportunity was technically “open to everyone” but wasn’t actually accessible to everyone. Accessibility can mean physical access, but it can also mean communication, confidence, sensory needs, cost and having the right support. I want to bring that perspective to the Scottish Youth Parliament, while remembering that my experience is only my experience. I can’t speak for every disabled young person. That’s why listening would be a really important part of the role for me. I want to use the position to create more opportunities for young people with different experiences to speak for themselves and influence the decisions that affect their lives.
Why should someone vote for you?
Vote for me because I care about how people are represented, not just whether they get invited to take part. I’m thoughtful, patient and comfortable challenging barriers when I see them. I also know that being a representative comes with responsibility. I would be representing your views, not claiming that my own experiences speak for everyone. If elected, I would work hard to make participation accessible and keep young people informed about what I was doing on their behalf. I’d like to help create an environment where young people feel comfortable saying, “Actually, I disagree,” or “You’ve missed my experience.” To me, good representation doesn’t mean everyone agreeing. It means making sure different voices are genuinely listened to and taken seriously.
Pick the top three issues you want to campaign on as an MSYP
Democracy, Equalities, Rights
How will you consult the young people in your area or organisation to ensure they are represented well and their voices are heard?
I would make consultation as accessible and flexible as possible. Young people could contribute through online surveys, one-to-one conversations, group discussions, voice notes or other formats. I would provide information in advance so people have time to think before being asked for their views. I would work with staff and youth workers to reach young people who might need additional support to participate. I’d also regularly ask young people whether the way I’m consulting actually works for them and change my approach based on their feedback. I wouldn’t assume the loudest or most common opinion represents everyone. When I report young people’s views, I would include different perspectives and explain when people disagree.
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