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Mock election hustings at Portobello High

The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, George Reid, chaired a mock election debate at Portobello High School as part of the campaign to encourage more schools to hold mock elections ahead of May’s Scottish parliamentary and local government votes.

There are over 150 schools holding mock elections in Scotland, which give students the opportunity to stand as candidates for political parties and interest groups as well as acting as speech writers, canvassers and reporters.

Eight candidates made their manifesto speech to the assembled electorate, discussing a wide range of issues including the proposed closure of the local Meadowbank stadium, to the renewal of Trident nuclear weapons.

The speeches were followed by a heated question and answer session, and the vote. This was made with the Single Transferable Vote system – which will be used for the first time in the forthcoming local government elections. After a quick count, the three candidates who were elected were:

Aly Parnell (Scottish Green Party)

Amy Brodie (Conservative)

Lewis Brennan (Labour)

The Presiding Officer George Reid MSP said:

“It has been said that young people do not care or want to engage themselves in politics – but that I do not believe. Right across Scotland, young people are engaged in issues, which matter to them. It is vital that we listen to their voice and events such as these help us to do just that. Some of these young people may become future politicians whilst others may venture into different careers. What is certain, however, is that all have the potential to help shape the future of Scotland and be ambassadors for our nation throughout the world”.

The results of all the mock elections being held in schools across Scotland will be collated and the winning party will be announced in May. You can still sign up for the project on the Register page.