A TEENAGER with a learning disability is hoping to make a real difference and represent East Lothian in the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Angus Langlands, of Haddington’s Pencaitland Road, is one of eight youngsters attempting to become an MSYP (Member of Scottish Youth Parliament).

The Scottish Youth Parliament works in a similar fashion to the Scottish Parliament, where East Lothian is represented by Iain Gray.

Knox Academy pupil Angus was inspired to want to make a difference after the school received a visit from someone highlighting the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The S3 pupil, who has additional support needs and has a communication difficulty, told the Courier: “I have been on a journey to get to where I am today.

“I have found it tough at times to fit in and be like everyone else.

“I want to highlight this and help others like me. I believe that an additional need should not hold people back from trying their best and achieving new adventures.

“I am the first candidate with additional needs to stand for the SYP and the support of my family, friends and teachers has been invaluable in the progress I have made.”

Angus, 15, Fifteen-year-old Angus gave two presentations to Knox Academy pupils last week, starting with his fellow S3 students on Monday and then on Wednesday S5/6, which includes his big sister Caitlin.

He has already visited the Scottish Parliament and plans to speak to fellow students at North Berwick High School as well, as part of his bid to be elected.

Angus has already adopted his own slogan for the campaign ahead: “Being different brings people together.”

He said: “I support the Scottish Youth Parliament because I am young and want to represent and make a difference to the education of young adults who require additional educational support, like me.

“Representing my constituency would allow me to raise awareness of this issue and its impact on Scottish education – I have a unique perspective and therefore would be able to represent well the needs of others.

“I believe that empathy and respect for others and their differences is very important and it would provide me with the chance to tell other people about this.

“Since I came to high school, I have worked extremely hard and used the opportunities I have been given. I am proof that inclusive education works in mainstream school.”

Angus, who is also a member of the Explorer Scouts in the town, is up against seven other candidates, including current MSYP Heather Cameron, Morgan Lewis-Wilson, Lara Adams Carmena, Adam Fairgrieve, Glen Slorance, Amy Gossner and Emma Hotchkiss.

Angus has received assistance in putting together his presentation from Karen Fraser, ASN support worker at Knox Academy, and fellow Knox Academy pupil Natalie Forrest.

The S6 pupil, who praised Angus’s “passion”, said: “I like Angus’ message.

“I like the purpose behind the message and like how being different brings people together.”

Meanwhile, the candidates met local councillors last week as they began their campaign to represent the county in the Scottish Youth Parliament.

East Lothian Courier:

Candidates visited council chambers at Haddington Town House to chat to councillors last Tuesday.

Voting is now under way for two weeks.

The Scottish Youth Parliament has been credited with being influential in helping secure votes for 16-year-olds in Scotland, and a key voice in the campaign for equal marriage through its Love Equally campaign.

East Lothian’s candidates are: Adam Fairgrieve, Angus Langlands, Glen Slorance, Heather Cameron, Lara Adams Carmena, Morgan Lewis-Wilson, Amy Grossner and Emma Hotchkiss.