A senior UK Government minister is urging young people to consider standing for the Scottish Youth Parliament.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said the move would be a “fantastic way” for them to get involved in mainstream politics.
The MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey spoke out as nominations for candidates, aged 14-25, opened this week.
The contest to elect 150 people, who will take at least two seats in every Scottish Parliament constituency, is taking place from March 2-13 next year.
Interest in politics is at a record high due to the independence referendum and 90.1% of 121,497 people aged 16 and 17 across Scotland registered to vote.
Louise Cameron, chairwoman of the Scottish Youth Parliament, has called on political leaders to include lowering the voting age in all elections to 16 as part a new devolution settlement for Scotland and the wider United Kingdom.
The 18-year-old parliament member for Moray said the level of engagement in the referendum among young people was something to be “celebrated”.
Miss Cameron, of Keith, said: “The national discussion about the future of Scotland has captivated an entire generation of young people.
“We have an opportunity to harness this engagement and ensure it continues for future elections.”
Mr Alexander said: “The Youth Parliament is a fantastic way for younger people to get involved with politics.
“I want to see more people getting involved and forming the habit of voting at a younger age and that is why I think all elections should have a minimum voting age of 16.
“With nominations now open, this is an excellent time for any local young person whose interest was seized by the referendum to continue their involvement in politics.”
Nominations close on October 31.