Mairi Gougeon MSP, the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment officially launched the Cairngorms Youth Action Team today (Monday 7 October) at the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) offices in Grantown on Spey.

Cairngorms Youth Action is an empowering and inspiring platform for young people to engage with the natural and cultural heritage of our local rural communities.  The Cairngorms Youth Action Team will be the youth voice of the platform and will enable young people to tackle issues and create positive change across the Cairngorms National Park.

Today’s launch is the culmination of two years work.  Last year the Youth Manifesto was created which voiced some of the hopes and fears that young people have for the future of their communities. The CNPA pledged to set up this Youth Action Team to ensure that the views of the next generation are listened to on matters which concern them.

Ms Gougeon spent time with some of the young people who have been instrumental in forming the Team, she said: “It is vital that Scotland’s young people are listened to and included in decisions that affect their future, and the Cairngorms Youth Action project will do just that: empowering young people to play a strong role in creating a sustainable future for the Cairngorms – a vital piece of our natural heritage.

“I was involved at the start when the Youth Manifesto was launched last year and I am delighted to launch the Cairngorms Youth Action Team. I have been impressed with the energy and commitment of the young people I have met today and would encourage any 14-26 year old who cares about the future of the National Park to apply to join the Team”

Xander McDade Convener of the CNPA said, “As a young person myself I am excited to see the launch of a platform that has a remit to allow my generation to shape their own future.  We should be encouraging young people to take an interest, offering them opportunities to share their ideas and visions and I am proud that the CNPA is leading the way in doing that.”

The launch comes at the start of Scotland’s Climate Week (7-13 Oct) and one of the key issues that the Youth Action team will be turning their attention to is how to encourage other people to get involved in tackling the climate emergency in their own communities.

CYAT member Ellie Moore said, “The climate emergency is the single biggest issue to face my generation, we need make our voice heard and galvanise people into action to help reverse the situation. The Cairngorms Youth Action Team will be committed to speaking out and working on ways we can make that happen.”

The Cairngorms Youth Action Team is looking for 14-26 year olds, who live in Scotland to apply for a place on the Team.  For more information on the application process and what this involves please visit the CNPA website or email [email protected]

Ends.