Shetland MSYP chosen to serve on rural school closures commission

Shetland’s member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) Emily Shaw has been selected to be the body’s representative on the Commission on Rural Education set up to review legislation on rural school closures.

The commission, made up of local authority representatives, head teachers, experts and parents, was set up after Scottish education secretary Mike Russell called for a one year moratorium on rural school closures to allow time for the review.

Emily said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to represent the Scottish Youth Parliament on the Commission on Rural Education. It is a huge honour for both myself and the SYP. It’s fantastic to see the views of young people, who are affected by the provision of rural education, being considered and I look forward to the months ahead.”

Emily adds to Shetland’s presence on the commission as she will be joining Bob Cree-Hay who is chairman of the Aith Parent Council and Shetland’s representative at the National Parent Forum.

The commission is being chaired by Sheriff David Sutherland.