Fri, 14/03/2025 - 13:34pm
On Sunday, 2 March, 36 people from across rural and island Scotland gathered at the Inverness Botanic Gardens for the first-ever All-YLAG Workshop. Organized by Scottish Rural Action, this event was part of the 2023 Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament (SRIP) Local Event Programme.
The Local Event Programme helps organizations build on priority themes identified by the 2023 SRIP delegates. One of these priorities is strengthening the Youth Local Action Group (YLAG) network, which is supported through the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme delivered by Local Action Groups.
Five YLAGs —Outer Hebrides YLAG, Orkney YLAG, Cairngorms Youth LAG, Youth Action Fife, and Forth Valley & Lomond YLAG —came together to enjoy the sunshine, lunch, and a packed event programme they had co-designed. Youth members, facilitators, and CLLD coordinators took turns leading presentations, discussions, Q&As, and deep dives into the challenges and opportunities for the network.
Excitingly, the event also welcomed young people and CLLD staff from five new regions—Shetland, Argyll & Bute, the Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire—who are eager to develop their own YLAGs. The existing teams were thrilled to connect with them and share valuable insights.
The Local Event Programme supports community-led momentum between SRIPs, and participants at the All-YLAG workshop especially valued the opportunity to network and explore key topics together. As one participant put it, "I thought it was an amazing way to learn more about YLAGs!"
A huge thank you to Scottish Rural Network for supporting this fantastic day!
Stay tuned—more local events are on the way!
