Samantha Morrison
Strathkelvin and Bearsden
Key Issues
- Health and wellbeing
- Transportation
- Free community areas for young people to go.
Candidate Presentation
Candidate Profile
Why do you want to be an MSYP?
I want to be an MSYP because I'm very passionate about youth rights and young people in my community. Through my work with my school’s Rights Respecting group and the people I interact with in school every day, I get to see the potential of young people—and the challenges we face. I want to use my platform to help young people in our schools and our everyday lives and connect the gap between young people and decision makers. I want to ensure every young person in our area has equal opportunities, and a safe space to grow. As someone who is a confident speaker, I think I would be a good representative and can speak on behalf of us all. I love speaking to new people and am very approachable. I believe I could help more people in our area who are uncomfortable speaking to decision makers about their problems.
What are the issues that matter most to you?
Free community areas for young people to go.
How will you consult with the young people in your area or organisation to ensure that they are represented well and their voices are heard?
To represent Strathkelvin and Bearsden, I will use a mix of digital and in-person meetings to listen to the voices of people. First, I want to build relationships with local high schools, such as Bishopbriggs, Lenzie and Boclair Academy. I will collaborate with their student councils and each year group to gather feedback from the people in my constituency. Second, I will use platforms by launching monthly anonymous feedback polls on Instagram and TikTok. This will capture opinions from those who might not feel comfortable speaking up in person. Finally, I will host monthly drop‑in surgeries at community hubs such as local libraries and popular spots for young people in my area.
Why should someone vote for you?
I am standing to be your MSYP because I have the energy, experience and drive to speak for Strathkelvin and Bearsden. As a speaker who has led many school assemblies, I am talkative and ready to use my voice to advocate for Strathkelvin and Bearsden.
Through my leadership roles as a prefect and a senior member of Rights Respecting Schools and by volunteering with my local Brownies unit, I have shown my commitment to Strathkelvin and Bearsden. If elected, I will focus on three priorities:
• Transport: In many areas of Strathkelvin and Bearsden there are almost no buses that connect the main places. People in Torrance and Kirkintilloch cannot easily travel to Westerton or Colquhoun Park to see friends.
• Mental Health / Education: Four of the top twenty Scottish schools are in East Dunbartonshire. During exams, a lot of stress falls on students. I want to campaign for help from CAMHS and better mental health services around schools.
• Community Areas : I want to create accessible and free places where young people can hang out safely without having to spend money.
Your ideas matter, vote for me. I promise to bring your voice straight to the Scottish Youth Parliament!