Esme begins youth convener role
A former Kinlochleven High School pupil has vowed to get rural empowerment and gender equality issues to the top of the Highland Council agenda after being announced as Highland youth convener.
Esme Leitch, 20, from Duror, began her new role this month and is looking forward to representing young people across the Highlands.
Eager to make a mark on council policy, Miss Leitch said she was keen to break down some of the barriers young people face throughout the region and wanted to ensure the Highlands remained an inclusive, safe and positive place to be a young person.
‘I am incredibly excited for the year ahead and feel honoured to have been given this amazing opportunity,’ said Ms Leitch. ‘The role of youth convener is unique, but I am ready for the challenge and believe with my professional and personal experiences, passion for the area in which I live along with the support of the great teams at High Life Highland and Highland Council I am ready to embark on an exciting 12 months.
‘I am passionate about the development of young people and empowering them to speak up, be heard and make positive social change within their communities.
‘Along with continuing the work of previous youth conveners, I will be developing and delivering my own action plan.’
Ms Leitch is possibly best known locally for her work as a presenter with Nevis Community Radio and through her role as project manager with Kinlochlovin’ Social Enterprise. As well as participating in the Scottish Parliament and the Young Women’s Movement, she plays an active part in Lochaber Youth Theatre.
As youth convenor, Ms Leitch will provide a consistent link for elected Highland Council members and senior officials and act as a sounding board for youth issues. She will attend council meetings and will have full voting rights on the education, children and adult services committee with speaking rights at all other council committees.
‘I am keen to tackle some of the barriers young people face throughout Highland,’ she continued.
‘My priorities will be to focus on rural empowerment, gender equality and making the Highlands more inclusive for minority groups.’