Highland’s new Youth Convenor

Issued by High Life Highland

Kat Bateson from Inverness has been appointed to the role of Highland Youth Convenor. This full time role, based at the High Life Highland office in Ardross Street, Inverness, is a bursary position running to the end of August 2016.

As Youth Convenor, Kat provides a consistent link for Elected Members and senior officials in The Highland Council, representing young people’s views and will act as a sounding board for youth issues in the Highlands. Kat will attend Council and Community Planning Partner meetings and has full voting rights on the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee with speaking rights at all other Council Committees.

The Youth Convenor works closely with young people across the Highlands through Highland Youth Voice, Area Youth Forums and Pupil Councils in Secondary Schools. Kat will maintain the links between organisations and partners already established by previous Youth Conveners and will be seeking to develop new connections with organisations across the Highlands. 

Kat who is the ninth Highland Youth Convenor and takes over from Shaun Finlayson said:

‘I am delighted to have been chosen as the new Youth Convenor and I look forward to continuing Shaun’s good work and putting forward my own perspective for improving the lives of young people in the Highlands.’
Ian Murray Chief Executive of High Life Highland said:

“The role of the Youth Convenor is pivotal, representing young people in different settings and at different levels of decision making to ensure the views of young people are heard across the Highlands. Kat will be working alongside our youth development team and I look forward to seeing the good work being developed over the coming year.”

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson said: 

“The Youth Convenor post is unique in Scotland and is part of our commitment to better understand and engage with issues important to Highland's young people. Kat takes over this important role at an exciting time as 16 and 17 year olds can now vote at Scottish elections, including local government elections and the up-coming community council elections. It’s very important young voices are heard and to make sure their fresh ideas and different opinions are well represented. I am sure Kat will enjoy the challenges and will be able to use her skills in the role and I look forward to working with her over the coming year.”

The Highland Council Convenor, Councillor Isobel McCallum paid tribute to Shaun Finlayson. She said: 

“Shaun has played an important role over the last 12 months, particularly in enhancing the links between organisations and partners already established by previous Youth Conveners. He has made a valuable contribution by fully getting involved in the decision making processes that affect the lives of young people and drawing attention to issues important to him. On behalf of the whole Council I would like to thank him for his work and wish him well for his future.”

Kat can be contacted on 01463 663827 or youth.convener@highlifehighland.com