Residents across the National Park are invited to get their dancing shoes on as the Cairngorms Youth Local Action Group (YLAG) marks a major funding milestone.

The YLAG has now supported more than 100 youth-led projects with over £100,000 in grants, and to celebrate the group is holding a ceilidh and gathering on Sunday 1 March at Boat of Garten Community Hall.

The free social event will run from 2pm to 7pm, with people of all ages encouraged to enjoy food and cake while learning more about the YLAG fund and the passionate team of 16-30-year-olds behind it. 

Co-designed and managed by members of the Cairngorms Youth Action Team (CYAT), the fund is run by and for young people, empowering them to bring big ideas to life.

The fund is delivered through The Cairngorms Trust, funded by the Park Authority, and has supported a wide variety of inspirational projects since its launch in 2021.

Priorities for the fund include sustainability, skills development, nature connection, and arts and culture. Successful projects so far have ranged from training for aspiring mountain leaders to clothing re-makery workshops, bike sheds, beekeeping equipment and school orchards.

The first two hours of the event will give attendees the chance to tour a series of stalls and be inspired by a selection of projects awarded grants so far. Past fund recipients will share their own experience of turning ambitious ideas into a reality and demonstrate the difference the fund is making across the National Park. 

Among those giving presentations on the day will be youth artist Kirsty Ritchie, who will bring along her paintings, Fin Scott who will demonstrate his leather craft work, the Junior Rangers and members of the CYAT.

A ceilidh featuring a performance from young musicians will bring the celebration to a lively end.

The next funding round will open later this year, offering another opportunity for people under the age of 30, or those who work with young people, to make a positive impact in their communities.

Alan Smith, Outdoor Learning and Engagement Manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “I am delighted that we are coming together to celebrate the Cairngorms YLAG and this incredible 100:100 milestone.

“The event is about recognising the inspirational young leaders who drive the fund, as well as the many bright minds behind projects which are making a real difference across the National Park.

“I would encourage everyone to come along to the ceilidh to help mark what has been achieved so far, and to find out how they can be part of the next chapter of this fantastic youth-led initiative.”

CYAT and YLAG are currently seeking new members who live in the Cairngorms or have an interest in the area and are motivated to inspire and empower other young people.

To find out more about joining or to attend the event, please email [email protected].