Alness teenager speaks up on behalf of Highland youth in Westminster
AN Alness Academy pupil has spoken out on behalf of Highland young people in the Houses of Parliament, Westminster.
As a Member of Scottish Youth Parliament (MYSP) for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Jamie Dickson was invited to London’s House of Commons. The Alness lad spoke out to other members in the chamber, at the annual UK Youth Parliament event, about how transport should be freely available to all young people.
During his speech at the House of Commons, Jamie said: “I’m Jamie and I represent the Highlands and Islands in Scotland. In Scotland every young person is entitled to a Young Scot card, which allows them to access free buses around Scotland.
“Why is it limited to buses, and at that, Scottish buses? Speaking from experience, not all young people have easy access to bus stops, and sometimes it costs more than an hour of working at national minimum wage — around £12 — to get the bus from my town to the nearest city.
“Just to get to work, to see friends and family, or travelling to an education facility. This needs fixed. Young people all over the United Kingdom deserve the right to free transport, no matter if it is a bus, a train or a ferry. We need to work together as young representatives to make transport free for all of our constituents.”
Alness youth organisation, The Place said: “Well done to our own wee Jamie Dickson who spoke up in the Houses of Parliament today.
“What a star and you truly represent Highland young people. So proud of you”
