YOUNG people in West Dunbartonshire are being asked to send a letter to the Scottish Parliament setting out their hopes and aspirations for the institution over the next 20 years.

A selection of the letters will be included in a new book published by Luath Press in June to commemorate the parliament’s 20th anniversary.

Presiding Officer, Ken Macintosh MSP, said: “Young people are at the heart of our plans to mark the parliament’s 20th anniversary and this competition gives them a fantastic platform to tell us, in their own words, what the parliament should look like and what it should aspire to in the future.

“Over the course of this year there will undoubtedly be a lot of reflection on what the parliament has achieved over the last two decades. While that reflection is important, it’s equally important that we look forward and think about how we can improve and how the parliament can help make this a better world to live in.”

The book will also include a series of essays from well-known authors, academics and others which explore how well the parliament is placed to tackle the big issues facing Scotland in the future.

The competition is being held in partnership with Young Scot who want to engage young people in this important milestone of Scotland’s democracy.

Allan Lindsay, participation and co-design director at Young Scot, said: “Young people have been at the heart of making Scotland one of the best places in the world to live – and we hope over the next 20 years they continue to be so.

“By contributing to this book, young people can create a lasting legacy that will show their thoughts, hopes, and wishes, for our country today and into the future. We’re delighted to be working on this with the Scottish Parliament.”

The competition is open to all young people who live in Scotland aged between 11-20. The letter should be no more than 500 words, and submitted by March 20.

For more information visit rewards.youngscot.org/activities/2864-submit-dear-scottish-parliament.