TO celebrate the Year of Young People, every week in 2018 The National is giving a platform to young Scots. This week, Joel Meekison

SCOTLAND’S Year of Young People 2018 has empowered and inspired, but looking forward to next year, the future brings with it grave uncertainty. It’s now a time for adults and young people alike to use what we’ve learned to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.

In 2018, thousands of young Scots have taken part in hundreds of events across Scotland. From helping organise sports events like the European Championships, to exhibitions where young artists had a place on the international stage at Dundee’s V&A. And not to mention Scotland showing to Europe its dedication to giving young people a voice by hosting Year of Young People events in both Brussels and Belgium.

It has seen its share of special moments too, such as when Razannah Hussain stood on stage to address more than 500 young people and dignitaries at dinner in Glasgow for the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards. And when 12-year-old Hannah Richardson from East Lothian made history by becoming the youngest person to moderate a session at the United Nations in Geneva.

This was all coming at time when young people having power to influence their future is more important then ever. Scotland’s Year of Young People has, of course, fallen against the back drop of the UK Government’s Brexit negotiations, in which children and young peoples voices have been and continue to be completely marginalised.

Holding a position on Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Advisory Panel on Europe has provided me with unique access to those influencing Brexit in Scotland, allowing my colleagues and I to contribute a young voice in discussions.

Seeing politicians tinkering with the future of young people has left me at points feeling utterly powerless. And this sense of powerlessness highlights two things: firstly, if as an informed activist with insider access I feel powerless, how do you think already marginalised young Scots are going to be feeling? And secondly, that there is a real need for young people to stay vocal on getting a Brexit where there are still opportunities for their future.

From Barrhead to Brussels, Scotland’s young people have shown the focus and grit to hold onto their seat at the table, at a time when getting a word in edgeways to that conversation seems only to get harder and more confusing. Then it is access and support that is essential to keep young people in the conversation.

The true legacy of the year will be when adults and young people alike take forward the drive and strength we have built in 2018.

And ensuring all young people in Scotland can be safe, don’t have to go hungry, get to vote in their democracy and have the ability to have their voice heard, to really make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.