We want as many people as possible to take part in the debate on Scotland’s future.

This is especially true of our young people who, perhaps more than other generations, stand to be affected by the outcome of the 2014 referendum that the Scottish Government is now consulting on.

I believe that young people deserve to have your voice heard and should be able to shape the future of their country. After all, if you are over 16 and can join the army, get married and pay taxes – surely you should be able to have a say in a matter of such national importance?

Your Scotland, Your Referendum is a huge opportunity for you to take part in the debate about how the 2014 referendum will be run. We want all those eligible 16 and 17 year olds to be allowed to vote and key bodies such as the National Union of Students are in full agreement.

That is why in the consultation Your Scotland, Your Referendum, we are seeking views on extending the right to vote in this referendum to 16 and 17 year olds eligible to be included on the electoral register.

This Government is demonstrating its commitment to young people through a wide range of actions to tackle youth unemployment, spearheaded by the appointment of the first ever Minister for Youth Employment anywhere in these isles and the young welfare of young people generally runs through the core of our policies.

So, if you want 16 and 17 year olds to have the vote tell us now. Alternatively, if you don’t think they should, then you can tell us that too! The more views we get, especially from young people themselves, the better.

Fill in the consultation online http://consult.scotland.gov.uk/scotreferendum. It will only take a few minutes and it’s your chance to be heard as Scotland makes an important choice about our future.

Bruce Crawford
Cabinet Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy

You can find out more about the consultation progress and participate in the ongoing debate via the website, dedicated facebook page and through the dedicated twitter hashtag #IndyRef