Young people from across the Highlands gathered at Eden Court this week to help shape the future of the Inverness Highland bid for UK City of Culture 2029.
The Children and Young People’s Cultural Assembly took place on Monday 29 June, bringing together pupils, youth organisations and partners from across the region to discuss culture, identity and what the Highlands could become in the years ahead.
Through workshops, creative activities and informal conversations, participants explored what Highland culture means to them and how it might evolve over the next decade.
Young people were encouraged to share their thoughts on life in rural communities, language, identity and their hopes for what the Highlands might look like by 2035.
The event forms part of the wider Beò 2029 campaign, which aims to secure UK City of Culture status for Inverness and the Highlands.
Organisers placed young people at the centre of the discussion, recognising that any successful bid must reflect the aspirations, experiences and ambitions of the next generation.
Participants were also given the opportunity to put questions directly to senior figures involved in the bid and wider Highland life.
The question and answer session featured Highland Council Chief Executive Derek Brown, Eden Court Chief Executive Rebecca Holt and Highland BID Director for UK City of Culture Bryan Beattie.
The day’s proceedings were compered by Highland Youth Convener Leah McBain, while the discussion session was chaired by Highland Youth Parliament representative and Inverness Royal Academy pupil Jessica MacKenzie Keel, who welcomed participants in both English and Gaelic and piped pupils into the event.
Performance was an important part of the day, with contributions from Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd at Plockton High School, Dalneigh Primary School’s award winning Glee Club, TFX Performing Arts Academy and a closing set from DJ Brucey, also known as Iain Bruce.
Chair of The Highland Council Education Committee, John Finlayson, said the assembly was about ensuring young people help define the future direction of the Highlands.
“This event was about listening directly to young people from right across the Highlands, and ensuring their voices are at the heart of our Inverness-Highland City of Culture bid.
“Young people play a vital role in shaping the future of Highland, and it is important that their experiences, ideas and ambitions are reflected in how we develop our cultural offer.
“This was a valuable opportunity to hear from them directly about what matters most and what they want Highland to look like in the years ahead.”
As the Beò 2029 campaign gathers pace, organisers believe the ideas and creativity of young people will be essential in helping define what Highland culture looks like for future generations.
A survey on the Inverness – Highland UK City of Culture has been distributed to schools across Highland and is still live for any young person who would like to contribute their ideas.
