Funding Boost Gives Black Isle Youngsters An Active Summer Time

Young people living on the Black Isle are enjoying a very active summer break thanks to a funding boost from Youth Link Scotland.  A grant of £3,100 from Youth Link on top of  Highland Council support has enabled an exciting programme of events to be put together by the Youth Development Team based at the Black Isle Leisure Centre.  The programme is also being supported by Fortrose Academy and outdoor adventure company, BootsnPaddles.

A full day of mountain biking on the Carbisdale Castle course set the scene for the start of the events which are for young people from 12 to 17years of age.  The day, which was aimed at beginners to introduce them to the exciting sport of mountain biking, was such a success that another mountain biking event to be held on Tuesday 24 July in Golspie is already fully booked.

Another popular activity was a day of Paintball which took place on Monday at  Wild Woodz by Munlochy.  The wet and cold weather did not dampen the young people’s enthusiasm as they ran around to keep warm and used the muddy conditions to provide extra camouflage.

Events still to come over the next couple of weeks include canoeing down the River Ness, Archery, Mountain Boarding, Rock Climbing and Abseiling.

The four Local Members, Councillors Billy Barclay, Isobel McCallum, Craig Fraser and David Alston welcomed the funding boost and are delighted that youngsters from the Black Isle will have increased opportunities to be active, gain confidence, learn new skill and most importantly have fun this summer. 

Highland Council’s Youth Development Officer, Robbie Russell said:  “Thanks to the funding from Youth Link we were able this year to offer specialized activities which many young people have never tried before.  All the events generated a lot of interest and are now all fully booked.  The young people I have spoken to are really up for trying new sports and those that have already taken part in some of the events have had a really good time.  The summer holidays are a great chance to meet new friends, try new activities and enjoy the outdoors whatever the weather.”