Perthshire youths are set to take the lead roles in celebration

Two Perthshire teenagers are to take the lead on Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018.

Robert McCall (16) and Siusaidh-Niamh Johnston (13) have officially been appointed to‘Communic18’, a group of young people across Scotland who will be helping to run and organise the series of events designed to celebrate the personalities, achievements and talents of Scotland’s young people.

The two local youngsters will now go on to work with a number of Scottish organisations, such as Children in Scotland, the Scottish Youth Parliament and Young Scot, and will encourage young people in Perth and Kinross to get involved with decisions made about the year.

Perth lad Robert said: “Being part of the Communic18 gives all of us an opportunity to influence decisionmaking for young people and ensure their voices are magnified throughout the Year of Young People. We will be able to create a legacy where every contribution by a young person is valued.”

The two will be involved in funding panels, decision making and delivering projects, as well as being leaders for the Year of Young People throughout 2018.

Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, said:“The Year of Young People 2018 is an amazing opportunity for Robert and SiusaidhNiamh to demonstrate the importance of co-designing services and involving young people in decision-making.

“From the very start, planning for the Year of Young People 2018 has been built on co-design and Communic18 will be continuing this great work right through to the end of next year.”

Mark McDonald, minister for childcare and early years, added:“I would like to thank all the young members of Communic18 for their important contribution to the Year of Young People 2018.

“Young people have been involved every step of the way in planning for next year, and the Communic18 group will play a vital role in ensuring their views are continued to be heard and acted upon.

“Involving young people can be hugely beneficial to any organisation. I would encourage those planning for next year to get in touch and find out how Communic18 can help.”

The Year of Young People 2018 follows on from this year’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017.