Young people to share their voices on Highland during conference in Inverness
The annual Highland Youth Parliament (HYP) conference will take place at Inverness Leisure Centre on Friday, June 13.
Young people will focus on what they would like a future Highland to look like and how to make their peers’ voices heard.
HYP is 25 years old this year, so young people have been asked to bring a time capsule item to represent their area, to be opened again in 2050.
The conference is expected to have approximately 100 young people from across the 29 secondary school areas in Highland.
They will also be asked questions to improve how young people are supported to have a say and how this is promoted to young people.
Highland Youth Convener, Lauren McKittrick said: "The HYP conference provides a platform for each area in the Highlands to be represented by the young people who call it home.
“I am looking forward to hearing the unique perspectives these young people will bring while discussing some of the important themes affecting the future landscape of the Highlands.
“There is no better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Highland Youth Parliament than a day full of engaging discussions, fun activities, and a time capsule!"
There will be stalls in the morning from a range of organisations and services working with young people across the region.
The Scottish Youth Parliament will also speak with Highland young people about their work and consult on their new manifesto.
Young people will then have the opportunity to participate in a Walk and Talk a Mile to discuss questions that will contribute towards the development of the 2026-2029 Children’s Services Plan.
Jake MacCulloch, chairperson of Highland Youth Parliament added: “Having attended the HYP conference last year as a young person myself and now this year as chair, I’m so excited to see how the day plays out.
“It is such an amazing opportunity for young people to take part in, where they can voice their views and take part in activities and workshops tailored to certain topics!
“Like usual we will also have stalls from organisations supporting young people. This year we also have stalls from youth groups throughout Highland to show the amazing work they've been doing as we are celebrating 25 years of the Highland Youth Parliament, I'm sure we are going to have a great time.”
Kate Lackie, The Highland Council’s assistant chief executive for people said: “The Council has a good track record of working proactively with the Highland Youth Parliament.
“It is important that voices of our children and young people are heard and taken seriously, especially when it comes to future policy making, which is why I am delighted to be leading a session seeking input into the Council’s key strategic priority areas.
“I am sure the conference will be an excellent platform to network, share good practice and look to the future. I wish everyone taking part a very enjoyable and successful event.”