Young people across the Highlands have a new voice at the heart of local decision making after Eilidh Primrose was appointed Highland Youth Convener for 2026 to 2027.

The 22 year old Inverness resident becomes the 18th person to hold the role, succeeding Leah McBain and representing young people’s views directly to elected members and senior officials at Highland Council.

The full time bursary position lasts for 12 months and provides an important link between young people, councillors, council officials and community planning partners.

Eilidh will work closely with young people through the Highland Youth Parliament, area youth forums and pupil councils in secondary schools across the region.

Originally from Argyll, Eilidh studied English and Religion at the University of Stirling, where she was also involved with the army run University Officer Training Corps.

She later returned home to work on her family’s farm before moving to the Highlands, where she has worked in hospitality and most recently in tech support.

Eilidh said:

“I am excited to be going into this role, and the opportunity to work with so many diverse organisations within the Highland region.

“I am eager to learn more about the unique cultures that the Highlands is home to, and how this is represented through the youth of the area as I meet them.”

She intends to build on the work of previous Youth Conveners while developing her own priorities around culture, community and career opportunities.

Eilidh added:

“With the widespread activity of the past youth conveners, it is incredibly important to keep their work going.

“I am especially grateful for Leah McBain’s guidance on the role, and I commend her work with the crucial nature of her priority, online safety.

“As for my own goals for this role, I am keen to encourage culture, community and career pathways for the youth of the Highlands.

“Most importantly through all of this is to give young people a voice.

“In a lot of scenarios, a teenager in a remote location can be overlooked for their opinion on their day-to-day life and the support they receive.

“I’m especially keen to travel around the different areas and engage with different groups, the more young voices the better.”

Former Youth Convener Leah McBain will remain involved in preparations for the forthcoming Highland Youth Parliament, which will bring together more than 100 young people from secondary schools to debate and campaign on issues affecting them and their communities.

Leah said:

“The youth convener position is such a unique and special role within the Highlands.

“I’m grateful for the time I’ve been convener and having spent time with Eilidh I know the role and the responsibility that comes with it is in good hands.

“In Highland we’re setting an example of what youth voice is and how it drives both services and culture forward.

“I wish Eilidh all the best and I look forward to seeing how youth voice will continue to develop through her work.”

Highland Council Education Committee Chair Councillor John Finlayson welcomed Eilidh to the position, describing the Youth Convener as an important voice within the council.

For Eilidh, the coming year will mean travelling across one of Scotland’s largest and most diverse regions to hear directly from young people whose experiences can be very different depending on where they live.

Her ambition is a simple but important one, to make sure those young voices are heard.