Our Trustees

The affairs of the organisation are governed by a Board of Trustees who are all under the age of 26. The Board is made up of a Chair, Vice Chair and four Trustee Directors, you can find out more about them below...

Chair - Derek Couper MSYP

E-mail: derek.c@syp.org.uk

Derek Couper MSYP became SYP Chair in June 2009. Derek is 19, and represents his home town of Livingston, West Lothian in the SYP. As Chair, Derek's role includes overseeing the work and portfolios of the other Board members as well as working closely with the SYP General Manager. Derek also represents the SYP on a number of external groups, such as the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Children and Young People, of which he is a Vice Convener. He has also recently began studying for a degree in Law at Edinburgh University. Derek was recently crowned 'Top Politician of the Future' at the Scottish Sun's Variety Awards.

Interesting Fact? When he was 15, Derek’s trumpet skills led to him being part of a group of young people who recorded the Blue Peter theme tune – the same recording is still used today!

Vice Chair- David Leitch

E-mail: david.l@syp.org.uk

David Leitch is 18 years old and studying law at the University of Edinburgh. He was elected vice chair of the SYP at the Livingston AGM in June 2010 and represents the constituency of West Lothian.

Interesting fact?

On his 18th birthday David was the first non elected Member of Parliament to make a point of order in the chamber of the House of Commons, and on his 19th birthday he will be debating in the chamber of the Scottish parliament!

Trustee- Grant Costello MSYP

Email: grant.costello@sypmail.org.uk

Grant Costello is 17 years old and represents the constituency of East Kilbride. This is Grant's first time holding a Board position in the SYP after being elected at the Livingston AGM in June 2010. He is currently getting ready to study Politics at University after the summer.

Interesting Fact?
Grant was Named Young Engineer of the Year for Scotland two years running!

Trustee- Jodie Campbell MSYP

E-mail: jodie.campbell.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Bubbly Paisley North MSYP Jodie Campbell is one of four Trustee Directors on the SYP Board. 18 year-old Jodie comes from Elderslie in Renfrewshire.

Trustee- Kris Sinclair MSYP

E-mail: kris.sinclair.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Kris hails from Johnstone, Renfrewshire and is the MSYP for Paisley South. He has been an MSYP for three years and was previously the SYP Vice Chair.

Interesting Fact? Kris was once almost killed by a rocket-propelled can of baked beans.

Trustee- Claire Ewing MSYP

E-mail: claire.ewing.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Representing the SYP Conveners Group on the Board is 20 year old Fifer Claire Ewing, MSYP for Dunfermline West. Claire's previous work for the SYP saw her featured as one of ten 'Moving Stories' in an exhibition to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

Interesting Fact?

Claire was recently listed 21st on Scotland's most eligible women list!