Scottish Youths Awarded for Fireworks Safety

A GROUP of caring Renfrewshire teenagers have won a prestigious award for their work with the Scottish Youth Parliament.

At the awards ceremony, which was held in Dunfermline, young politicians from around Scotland were recognised for their fantastic achievements in creating a better country.

Among those honoured were the Youth Parliament members for Paisley South and West Renfrewshire, Kris Sinclair, 19, Heather McCabe, 19, and Jamie McArthur, 18.

The trio was presented with the award for Best Area In Scotland by Young Scot chief executive Louise MacDonald.

The awards event, which was a residential setting of the Scottish Youth Parliament, was hosted by Fife Council and featured speakers including councillors, journalists, and Fife Council leader Peter Grant.

The award of national recognition was given for outstanding contributions in promoting youth work and assisting young people within a local authority.

The local group of young people, known as Renfrewshire Youth Voice, have had a busy year so far.

Members have worked with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue to produce a firework safety podcast as part of the Firework Safety Campaign.

They are also currently working on an anti-knife crime DVD with Strathclyde Police, which will be sent out through high schools across Renfrewshire later this year.

Kris Sinclair, who is chairman of Renfrewshire Youth Voice, said: “We were nominated for the award last year as well but didn’t win, so we are all obviously delighted we won it this time around.

“It’s been a hectic few months for us and our youth workers but it’s all been worth it. Hopefully, we can continue with our good work and maybe even collect the award next year as well.”

Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay praised the group’s efforts and said they can look forward to a bright future.

He added: “Renfrewshire’s young people have been rewarded positively with this accolade and, hopefully, we can build on the progress made.

“The council was delighted to help host the Scottish Youth Parliament in Erskine last year and we look forward to furthering action.”

Renfrewshire Youth Voice meets every second Wednesday at West Primary School, Paisley, where they discuss issues raised by youngsters aged between 14 and 25.

They are constantly looking for new members who have an interest in changing the local area to benefit young people in Renfrewshire.

Elections for the Scottish Youth Parliament will start on Monday, March 30, and will end on Friday, April 3.