The Highland Council’s Education Committee has welcomed Leah McBain as the new Highland Youth Convener, beginning a year in which young people across the region will have a clear and confident voice in the conversations that shape their lives.
Leah, who is from Lochinver, took up the post at the end of August and becomes the seventeenth young person to carry a role that has grown into one of the most important bridges between young people and decision makers in the Highlands.
The Convener is there to represent young voices in meetings, offer honest insight into issues affecting young lives and ensure that concerns raised in schools and youth forums reach elected members and senior officials without getting lost along the way.
The Committee heard about the projects Leah is already involved in and the direction she wants to take her term.
Education Committee Chair Councillor John Finlayson welcomed her contribution warmly and spoke of the importance of keeping young people at the heart of the Council’s work.
It was, he said, great to have Leah along to present on the fantastic work she is involved in across Highland ensuring that young people have a voice.
He highlighted the value of the Convener in connecting local youth voices with those who make decisions at a regional level and noted the positive response from Committee members to Leah’s plan to engage young people around online safety.
Leah told the Committee how much she values the chance to build relationships with members and staff as she grows into the role.
“Thank you for welcoming me to the Education Committee today.
“It has been a pleasure to meet elected Members and Council staff and to build these important connections.”
She spoke openly about the early months of her term and the enjoyment she has found in meeting young people throughout the region.
“I have been in post for a few months now and I am really enjoying the opportunity to engage with young people.
“I hope that through the topic I have chosen, Online Safety and Technology, that young people can share their voice in a way they find meaningful.”
Leah also issued a direct encouragement to young people to come forward with the issues that matter to them.
“I am encouraged by the level of engagement so far and would urge everyone to keep reaching out and speaking up about what matters to you whether that is online safety and technology, education, employment opportunities, housing, mental health and wellbeing or any other concern.”
She finished with a message that cut right to the heart of her role.
“Young people are the future and we all share a responsibility to do more to support and empower them.”
Leah holds a degree in History and Criminology from the University of the Highlands and Islands and said she values the opportunity to build her career while staying rooted in the region she calls home.
The role is a full time twelve month bursary position and will see her work closely with the Highland Youth Parliament, area youth forums and secondary school pupil councils to help ensure that young people feel heard, supported and confident about the opportunities ahead of them.
