HELENSBURGH and Lomond’s new Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) representative says it is an honour to represent local young people after being officially elected last week.

Rosie Sumsion was confirmed as the area’s MSYP for the next two years when the results of a month-long vote across the country during March were announced.

The fifth-year pupil at Hermitage Academy has outlined her plans as she looks to make a positive impact in her hometown and she says she can’t wait to get started.

“It’s really exciting to be elected,” Rosie said. “I’ve been in the role for a while now, but there were times when I had a horrible feeling that that was it.

“We are looking at trying to make education on sexual consent and rape compulsory in schools, and I have noticed things as I have come into the role that can often be overlooked.

“For example, our youth workers currently don’t get trained in LGBT rights, and I want more help to be offered to those with additional support needs. The help they are getting is great but sometimes it just doesn’t go far enough.

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“We also have the All Aboard campaign for public transport, which is being run by the whole Scottish Youth Parliament.

“We want to see more buses and better transport options in Helensburgh and Lomond and we believe there should be more discounts for young people.

“People who are coming from poorer backgrounds or who live further away are effectively paying an entry fee just to travel to events or to get into town with expensive bus fares, and that just isn’t fair.”

The area’s young people hit the headlines earlier this year after staging a protest against Argyll and Bute Council’s plans to cut the budget for youth and adult learning services.

Sixteen-year-old Rosie helped organise a demonstration, but the local authority decided to scrap 17.1 full-time equivalent posts – 57 per cent of its workforce.

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Despite that, Rosie has vowed not give up the fight for further protection of what she called a “vital” and “life-changing” service.

She said: “A big part of the role is working with youth services and continuing on that work.

“The recent budget cuts to youth and adult learning services are atrocious and that not only impacts on those who work in those roles but it also affects my ability to do my work, as well as future generations in the area.”

Rosie already seems adept at dealing with a wide range of issues within her community, but while she’s motivated by the potential to make a difference, she wouldn’t be drawn on the prospect of a career in politics.

“I don’t really have an idea about that at the moment,” she said, “but this is something I am passionate about.

“I like things being done, and I feel that someone should be in a position where things get done.

“We are very lucky in Argyll and Bute to have such a diverse range of people and so many creative and talented people, so to be the voice that gets to magnify that and represent young people is an incredible opportunity and an honour.

“If an opportunity does come up in the future, then hopefully one day I can look back and reflect on this and know that I helped people.”