Something special is growing in schools across the Highlands, and now local businesses are stepping up to help it flourish.
The High Life Highland Leadership Programme started in Nairn Academy in 2004 and has grown into a powerhouse for inspiring the next wave of confident, capable young people.
It began with older pupils helping to run Active Schools sessions, but it’s now a full-scale movement, building real-world skills and real-life confidence.
Young people volunteer in sports, music, libraries, museums, conservation and community projects.
For every hour they give, they’re gaining experience, and for their efforts, they earn a coloured hoodie to mark their progress.
From navy to diamond, the hoodie system has become a badge of honour.
Some have even earned over 1,000 hours of volunteering to reach Diamond status.
That’s a serious achievement.
But more volunteers means more hoodies.
To help with those costs, four local businesses have come on board as the programme’s first ever official sponsors.
Stagecoach Group, Mackenzie & Cormack, My Primary & Secondary Tutor and Highland Learning Academy are now helping support the next generation of leaders.
This week, they were invited to Inverness Botanic Gardens to meet some of the Young Leaders and hear what the programme has meant to them.
Stagecoach is sponsoring both the green hoodie and the special Ambassador hoodie.
Managing Director David Beaton said they’re proud to support something that has such a lasting impact on young people’s lives.
Mackenzie & Cormack are sponsoring every Leadership Programme t-shirt.
Senior partner Nigel Jones said they’re delighted to play a part in something that’s helping young people grow in confidence and build skills that matter.
My Primary & Secondary Tutor is sponsoring the navy hoodie, which marks the start of the leadership journey.
Karen Simpson said it’s a privilege to back a programme that gives young people a sense of belief and purpose.
The newest hoodie of all, the Diamond, is now proudly supported by Highland Learning Academy.
Cath Sutherland said she hopes to see some of these young leaders continue onto their own leadership and apprenticeship programmes.
High Life Highland Chief Executive Steve Walsh said they’re hugely grateful for the backing.
In 2023 alone, young people taking part in the programme delivered over 23,000 hours of volunteering.
This year, 798 hoodies and 262 t-shirts have already been awarded, with more than 1,000 young people signing up to take part.
Since records began in 2020, over 7,700 young people have registered.
It costs around £370 to support one young leader through the full programme.
With five hoodie colours still available for sponsorship, purple, red, silver, gold and platinum there’s room for more local businesses to get involved.
To find out more, email elizabeth.mcdonald@highlifehighland.com.
