Glasgow first-time voters on issues that matter ahead of polling day

Skye Mitchell, 18, Amy Mackie, 16, and Evie Gunn, 17, who are all pupils at Smithycroft Secondary, say they “cannot wait” to vote for the first time in the Scottish elections on Thursday (May 7).

Fixing the NHS, looking after public spaces and youth organisations, and making public transport more affordable for all are also top of their wish lists.

Amy Mackie, 16, Evie Gunn, 17, and Skye Mitchell, 18. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Skye said: “I have wanted to vote since I was 14 because I don’t like the way Scotland has been run for the last 10 years.

“One of the biggest issues I think whoever wins should concentrate on is fixing the NHS. My mum has been waiting for a hearing aid for two and a half years.”

She added: “I feel like some politicians use immigration as a scapegoat, as a way of hiding real issues. Immigration has nothing to do with a lot of problems communities have but some politicians just point the finger at migrants to take away from the real issues.”

Amy Mackie (Image: Colin Mearns)

Amy agreed. “I feel like asking those people complaining about migrants – what would you do if your country was at war? Would you not flee to safety?” she said.

“There is a huge lack of empathy around this issue.”

Amy added: “I can’t wait to vote. I have done a lot of research into the parties standing. At the end of the day this is our future, and we are going to be relying on these politicians to provide our future, to make our communities liveable.

“I want to vote for someone who agrees the upkeep of public spaces and the support of youth organisations are important issues. My youth club nearly closed down because funding was cut and that was really upsetting.”

Evie Gunn (Image: Colin Mearns)

Evie agreed. “When things like local swimming pools are closed, there is nowhere for young people to go and that can mean they might start hanging around and getting into trouble.”

Skye Mitchell (Image: Colin Mearns)

Skye, who is hoping to study English literature and maths at the University of Glasgow, said she was “disappointed” by changes to the Scottish Government’s plans around climate crisis targets.

It announced in 2024 it was scrapping its annual and interim targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions although it insisted its long-term target to reach net zero by 2045 remained.

(Image: Colin Mearns)

“The climate emergency will play a huge part in my decision on who to vote for,” Skye said. “I did not agree with the scrapping of these targets. We need to learn to live without oil and the focus should be on renewable energy.

"We could be doing much more around wind energy for example.”

Evie who is hoping to study languages at university said: “A big issue for me is public transport.

"In the east end of Glasgow, it is not as good as it should be. Yes, our Young Scot card means we get it for free which is great but only on buses.”

Amy, who hopes to work in social services with children and young people, added: “Trains are still really expensive. Public transport should be made more affordable for everyone to encourage them not to use their cars.”