SCORES of young people from across Glasgow are bidding to be elected to the Scottish Youth Parliament, inspired by the Referendum.

Many of the candidates for the SYP say last September's independence vote - open to those aged 16 - showed the important role young people could play in politics.

Across Glasgow, 74 candidates are standing for election, with many calling for an increased lower wage, more political involvement for younger people and better education opportunities. Voting opens on March 2 and runs until March 13.

Anniesland and Motherwell are the most hotly contested areas, with nine and 10 candidates. The city's Southside and Maryhill have the fewest candidates, with just one each.

Among those standing for election is 15-year-old Holly Murphy, who wants to represent Clydebank and Milngavie.

She said: "Political power to young people is something I believe very strongly in.

"Young people are often excluded from politics, having their views dismissed as ignorant or irrational but youth interest in politics has been growing greatly in recent years. Our involvement in the referendum, with the voting age lowered to 16, show that we can express our opinions sensibly and passionately.

"If we are to live, be educated, work and grow up in this country, shouldn't we be in on the decision making process?"

Seventeen-year-old Suki Wan is standing for Shettleston. She said: "Ever since the referendum we've shown the world that Scottish youth are not as politically unaware and apathetic as we're often stereotyped as.

"As a young person with a part time job and many friends who also work outside of school - I know how vital earning money can be. However I believe the minimum wage for under-20s does not meet the needs of these young workers. The minimum wage of £3.79 for under-18s and £5.13 for 18-20 year olds should take into account how most young people can only accommodate part time jobs."

Ryan Lightbody, 23, of Anniesland, said education and training is an important issue for him.

The former High School pupil and Glasgow University graduate, who has lived in Anniesland "all my life" said: "I believe that more can be done to support young people as they leave education.

"Often the most significant decisions of anyone's life are taken at this stage and the most important thing for Scotland as a country is that they have the opportunity to succeed."

Sarah Lappin, 15, is also standing for Anniesland. She said: "As most 15-year-olds, I have an opinion on most things but unlike most young people I am doing something to vocalize them.

"I have always had a loud vocal opinion and felt my opinion where equal to adults but were not taken seriously because I was young. I still find that ridiculous.

"I'm not the kind of girl that would get 100 likes on my Facebook profile picture, but I am the kind of girl who could get a 100 signatures on a petition."

The youth parliament holds elections every two years. A candidate Tweeting session, #SYPElex, will take place on March 6 and 7.

Any young person aged between 14 and 25 is eligible to stand for election if they live in Scotland and have a passion for democracy.

Entirely youth-led, the SYP is made up of 150 young people who meet three times a year to discuss local and national issues that matter to them and put forward their own solutions.