Young people from across Highland came together at Eden Court in Inverness on Monday (29 June) to help shape the region’s ambitions for Beò - Inverness Highland City Of Culture Bid 2029.
The Children and Young People's Cultural Assembly brought together pupils, youth organisations and partners from across Highland to share their views on culture, identity and the future of the region.
A series of interactive workshops, creative activities and informal engagement spaces gave young people the opportunity to explore what Highland culture meant to them and how it could develop in the years ahead.
Participants contributed their views on a number of key themes, including the unique and unexpected aspects of Highland life, the challenges facing young people in rural communities, the role of language and identity, and what Highland could look like in 2035.
The event also gave young people the chance to engage directly with senior leaders, including a question-and-answer session which involved the Chief Executive of The Highland Council, Derek Brown, the Chief Executive of Eden Court Rebecca Holt, and Highland BID Director for UK City of Culture, Bryan Beattie.
The day’s proceedings were compered by Leah McBain, Youth Convener for Highland, while the Q & A was chaired by Highland Youth Parliament representative and Inverness Royal Academy pupil Jessica MacKenzie Keel, who spoke in both English and Gaelic and piped pupils into the event.
The day also featured performances from Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd – The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton High School, from Dalneigh Primary School’s award-winning ‘Glee’ club, the TFX performing arts academy and a closing set from DJ Brucey – aka Iain Bruce.
John Finlayson, Chair of the Highland Council Education Committee, said: “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.”
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.