The YSI (Young Scots for Independence), the SNP’s official youth wing, today (Sunday)  launched its new campaign to allow Scots, from 16 years and over, a say on the constitutional future of Scotland. 
 
The Constitution Minister Michael Russell, joined YSI activists outside the SNP’s 75th annual conference at Eden Court in Inverness to launch the campaign. Among the activists was Euan Purchase, the 16-year-old who wrote to Aileen Campbell MSP first raising the possibility of allowing 16 and 17-year-olds a vote in the 2010 referendum.  Aileen subsequently raised the issue  in a letter to the Minister, who replied confirming that 16 and 17-year-olds would indeed be enfranchised in the referendum vote next year. 
 
Commenting, YSI Convenor Baillie David McDonald said:
 
“The people of Scotland must have their say on the constitutional future of the country, and that should include 16 and 17-years-olds. 
 
“We are delighted that the Constitution Minister agreed with our view. If you are over 16 you pay tax; can serve in the armed offices; start university and even get married - it is nothing short of ridiculous that you can do all this and yet still cannot contribute to having their say in the democratic process. 
 
“Our efforts will now be entirely focused on allowing Scotland’s 16 and 17-years-olds a say by securing a referendum on Independence. It is clear for everyone to see that Labour and the Tories are running scared, so much so that they are refusing the people of Scotland their democratic right”.

Michael Russell added:

“The Scottish Government intends to put forward a bill to the Scottish Parliament early next year on Scotland’s constitutional future. As part of that bill, those eligible to vote will include  Scotland’s young adults of over 16 years of age.

“It has been plain to see at our National Conversation events, that young people want to keep this country moving forward. They want a say on our future, they want a say on their future and they want a say on Scotland’s future.”