TWO school pupils from Clackmannanshire made up a delegation from the Children’s Parliament to sign a commitment to increase their involvement in the work of government.

The students were invited to the Scottish Parliament to join the presiding officer in signing a joint agreement, which will help develop children’s knowledge and understanding of the workings of ministers.

Representing the Wee County were school pupils Waldah and Michael, who joined Eva and Millar from Fife, Cara, Lewis and Evie from East Lothian, Arden from Edinburgh and Rida from Aberdeen.

Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, said: “This agreement has been written with children, for children.

“This commitment signals our aim to ensure that children in Scotland know that they have a voice in their parliament.

“MSPs and parliament staff work extensively with schools, in Holyrood, in local communities and online to engage with children about the work of the Scottish Parliament.

“This agreement will help us to do even more. Children in Scotland should be treated as valued and equal citizens with a voice in issues that affect and impact them.”

The nine pupils attended the Scottish Parliament to sign the agreement and hear more about the work of the parliament.

This in turn will help them gain confidence and the skills needed to let them inform and influence legislation.

Cathy McCulloch, director of the Children’s Parliament, added: “Having MCPs sign the partnership agreement with the presiding officer sets us on a path to new awareness and understanding of children’s human rights throughout the parliament.

“This is another sign that Scotland takes children seriously and is committed to realising their rights to be healthy, happy and safe.”