The Cairngorms Youth Local Action Group (YLAG) has announced the results of its sixth round of funding, awarding £9,325.29 to support 10 youth-led projects across the National Park. In addition, the group’s seventh round of funding, worth £15,000, is now open for applications. 

The YLAG fund empowers young people under 30 to bring their ideas to life, with priorities spanning skills development, sustainability, arts and culture, intergenerational projects, nature connection and wellbeing. This round saw particularly strong applications from people under 18, highlighting the energy and vision of younger voices shaping the future of the places and people in the Cairngorms National Park. 

This funding round marks a significant achievement for the Cairngorms YLAG. Since its launch in 2021, the group has supported over 100 projects, investing more than £100,000 in youth initiatives across the National Park. 

Some of the successful projects in this round: 

• The Carrbridge Youth Orchard Group’s young volunteers, aged 11 to 15, will take part in intergenerational monthly sessions to care for the Carrbridge Community Orchard. 
   
• The Timber and Stitch initiative in Aviemore will see two clothing re-makery workshops take place to equip young people aged seven to 18 with creative skills to give second-hand clothing a new lease of life. 
   
• Several individual youth projects, including outdoor conservation, mountain biking and dance workshops led by young people as young as 15 years old, have secured funding to develop skills and explore new opportunities. 

Elen Owens, YLAG member, said: “I’m thrilled to see the projects funded in this sixth round of funding. We’ve seen a lot of variety in applications and in those who have been successful in receiving funding. We’re so happy to be supporting youth groups and young individuals in their personal or professional development within the Cairngorms National Park.”  

A seventh round of funding is now open for applications with £15,000 available to further support youth-led groups and individuals in the Cairngorms National Park. Applications can be made on the Cairngorms Trust website. The deadline for entries is 15 October. 

The Cairngorms YLAG is also inviting new members aged 16 to 30 from within the National Park to join the board and help shape future funding decisions. Interested applicants can contact: [email protected] 

Alan Smith, Outdoor Learning and Engagement Manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: "I am delighted to see the breadth of meaningful youth-designed and led projects supported through this round of funding, and I look forward to seeing them progress over the coming months.  

“The young people running the Cairngorms YLAG are an inspirational group who are inviting others to join the board to help inform the YLAG fund and influence decision-making. I’d encourage people aged 16 to 30 years old to get in touch with the Cairngorms Trust to find out more about getting involved.”