East Lothian has two new Scottish Youth Parliament representatives following a by-election for the area.
All seven candidates were outstanding in their campaigns, engaging young people across East Lothian through social media, school assemblies, and visits to youth centres and high schools.
Zidane Rafique (North Berwick High School) and Summer Ramsay (Ross High School) were elected as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) joining existing representative Katie Fairfull.
Zidane and Summer replace previous MSYP’s Olivia Brown and Finlay McIlwraith, who stepped down from their roles when they moved from the area for university, triggering the by-election. Seven young people stood for election and voting took place online and by ballot from 17 September to 7 October. 2841 votes were cast.
Confident and passionate
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “My congratulations to Zidane and Summer on their success, and to all of the young people who stood for election. All seven candidates were outstanding in their campaigns, engaging young people across East Lothian through social media, school assemblies, and visits to youth centres and high schools. Their confidence and passion are fantastic.
“I’m pleased to hear that they are keen to continue working together. As a group, they’ll identify key local issues to consult on and campaign for, while also supporting national SYP campaigns on mental health, ending gender-based violence and protecting youth work services.
“The Scottish Youth Parliament has brought forward real change and benefits for children and young people across the country and, as our newest MSYPs, Summer and Zidane will contribute to that ongoing work.”
Zidane: "I believe our voices deserve to be heard on the issues that matter most to us"
Commenting on his election success, Zidane Rafique said: “I decided to stand for election because I wanted to make a real difference for young people in my community. I believe our voices deserve to be heard on the issues that matter most to us, whether that’s education, mental health, transport, or opportunities for the future. Being an MSYP gives me the chance to listen to other young people and help turn their ideas into action. I also wanted young people to know about the SYP, so they can know that it’s possible for them to take control of their own future.
“It feels amazing and a bit surreal to have been elected! I’m really honoured and grateful that other young people have trusted me to represent them. I’m excited to get started, work with other MSYPs, and make sure the voices of young people are at the heart of every decision.”
Summer: "I stood for election as I wanted to make a difference"
MSYP Summer Ramsay praised her fellow candidates and thanked all those who voted for her and Zidane, saying: “I stood for the election as I wanted to make a difference in East Lothian and in young people's lives. I feel like I am a strong advocate and I am confident to take the lead on what needs to happen to make East Lothian a better place for young people. It feels amazing to be elected and to know people want me to have the power to listen and advocate their needs and priorities to Parliament.
“I know that there is a lot of hard work to be put in and am aware of what my role includes. I'm excited to begin working with the Scottish Youth Parliament and excited to see how everything unfolds! It was amazing running alongside all the candidates and want to congratulate them on putting themselves forward. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and Zidane to represent them.”
East Lothian by-election candidates were: Maya Borkowski, Declan Chandran, Willow Dutton, Lily Kempton, Zidane Rafique, Summer Ramsay, Eliza Sardar. The next full Scottish Youth Parliament election will take place in November 2026.