Emma Roddick MSP encourages young people in rural areas to make their voices heard

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has highlighted the value of young rural voices following engagement with the Rural Youth Action Network during its residential in Inverness over the weekend.

The Highlands and Islands representative joined young people from rural areas across Scotland for a health walk around the River Ness on Saturday morning, later taking part in a workshop which saw the young people raise issues from young carer support to the accessibility of government consultations with her and other representatives, including the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon.

Commenting, Emma Roddick said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed being with RYAN over the weekend, from our nature walk to chatting Taylor Swift over dinner.

“Every time I speak with groups representing young voices, I encounter folk who have incredible experience, insight, and knowledge – but who then tell me they know nothing about politics, or it’s not for them. I feel like an important part of my role as a Highlands and Islands representative is to make politics as accessible as possible – if you have an opinion, you can engage in politics. If something’s wrong, I want you to be able to tell me.

“Like I said to the young people who asked how to engage with politicians: you don’t need to prepare for days to send me an email if you want my help or to share your thoughts – just reach out. Too many people find that psychological barriers prevent them from taking that step, but I would much rather read a rushed email than sit wondering why I never hear from young people in the Highlands.

“We only know what we know and it’s important that all politicians are told about the experiences of their constituents, no matter their age or background.”