Expression of Interest

Starts April 1, 2026, midnight and ends Nov. 15, 2026, midnight

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people. We platform the voices of young people in spaces where decision makers are, at a local, national and international level. We exist to make change in young people’s lives, to think differently about issues, and to create a meaningful impact that makes Scotland the best place to grow up.

Every two years, around 160 members of the Scottish Youth Parliament - MSYPs - aged 14 – 25 are elected to represent young people in every part of Scotland and to campaign for positive change.

The next SYP elections will take place in November 2026, and applications are now open!

You can find out more about how to stand as a candidate in the election, what the process involves and the role of an MSYP here.

If you will be between 14 and 25 on 15^th November2026, you can stand for election as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) in two ways:

As one of two MSYPs in your local constituency – SYP constituencies are the same as the Scottish Parliament constituencies.
Through a number of  voluntary organisations which have representative MSYPs.

Timeline:

April to September 2026 – Applications: After you apply, you’ll receive a link to complete a short online training and we’ll put you in touch with your local election coordinator who will support you to develop your skills and knowledge and to run an election campaign.
May to November 2026 – Candidate experience:You’ll have lots of opportunities through the summer to develop skills, create your election campaign plans, and meet young people from across Scotland.
October 2026 – Campaigning: You will campaign in your local area or voluntary organisation to encourage young people to vote.
2^nd November - 15^thNovember 2026 – Voting: Young people across Scotland will vote to elect the MSYPs who will represent them for the next two years.
Results will be announced from Monday 16^thNovember 2026, and the new SYP membership will begin.
December 2026 to February 2027 – MSYP induction and training – all MSYPs will take part in an induction programme to help develop your skills and prepare you to get started in your new role.

When you’re ready to apply, click on the green button below!

Disclaimer

In order to stand in the Scottish Youth Parliament 2026 elections:

I confirm I have read the information about the Scottish Youth Parliament elections, and I know I can ask questions later if I have any.
I agree to take part in the SYP Elections 2026 in line with the Candidate Code of Conduct.
I confirm that I live in Scotland and will be aged between14 and 25 on Sunday 15th November 2026.
I am aware that information I share in my application form will be shared with my relevant election coordinator who is listed as one of the partners involved in the SYP elections.
I will email SYP at elections@syp.org.uk to let them know about any activities I cannot take part in during the elections process.

Before continuing with your application, you must read our Code of Conduct.

Read Code of Conduct

Check each item above and read the code of conduct, when you are until you have completed these steps you will not be able to proceed.