ELECTION 2021: Richard Lochhead encourages youngsters to vote for their future

RICHARD Lochhead, SNP candidate for the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary election, is urging youngsters to vote for their future.

Mr Lochhead was joined by first time voter Laurel Morrison as he submitted his nomination papers for the upcoming Scottish Parliament election to the Moray Council on Friday.

Now he is urging 16 and 17 year olds to register to vote ahead of the deadline on April 19 and "make their voices heard" on May 6.

He said: "I'm proud that it was an SNP Government that delivered votes for 16 and 17 year olds. This generation of young people is incredibly engaged and on May 6 they have the opportunity to shape Moray and Scotland's future.

"I very much hope that all 16 and 17 year olds in Moray will use their vote and make their voices heard."

On standing in the Moray constituency, Lochhead added: "I am delighted to once again be the SNP candidate in the upcoming election which is the most important since devolution and will determine the future of Moray and Scotland.

"The SNP Government has worked hard to steer our country through the pandemic and as local MSP I have done everything I can to remain accessible and support local families and businesses through these challenging times.

“Everyone I speak to locally is full of praise for our First Minister’s Nicola Sturgeon’s round-the-clock strong and compassionate leadership to get us through the biggest crisis in generations.

"The SNP has a track record of delivering for the people of Moray, with investment in our school estate, local health services, funding for new affordable homes, and delivering improved road and rail infrastructure.

"As we look to recover from the pandemic and from the impact of Brexit, the SNP recognises that there is more to do. We are ambitious for the future and that future must be in the hands of the people of Scotland, not Boris Johnson.

"I'm looking forward to campaigning – Covid-19 safely – over the next six weeks and hope that the people of Moray will once again put their trust in me to be their voice in Holyrood."

Laurel Morrison (16) from Fochabers added: "It's so important that 16 and 17 year olds sign up to vote and that they use their vote on May 6.

"This election will shape Moray and Scotland's future and it's vital that young people have their voices heard, especially as we are set to be the hardest hit by Brexit and Covid-19.

"The SNP has a track record of delivering for young people, whether that be through free higher education, or the funding of a youth guarantee to give people training opportunities.

"I hope young people will turn out to vote in this election - after all, it is our future."