Youth Committee

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Youth Committee is a group of dedicated young people aged between 14-26 years old who are passionate about the National Park and making a difference. The committee was formed in 2018 to ensure that young people have a voice in the decision making of the National Park Authority, now and for the future.

Youth Committee members help make decisions on key issues including climate change, how land is used, improving public transport for rural communities and green career opportunities. Members gain work experience, participate in National Park Board meetings, help shape National Park policies and develop youth-led projects.

Following a successful recruitment campaign earlier this year, we added a number of new members to our Youth Committee. Watch this space for updates as the new and existing Youth Committee members decide their priorities for the year ahead.

Meet the National Park Youth Committee

Let’s get to know our National Park Youth Committee members, and what they are most excited about working on.

Adam is studying land and hydrographic surveying and volunteers on a mountaineering project. With a clear passion for landscapes, Adam is most excited about discussing and implementing policies and initiatives that improve and conserve the park.

In addition to studying for National 5s, Aisha hopes to build confidence, gain problem solving skills and learn about opportunities and careers within the environment sector, not to mention creating new friendships and connections!

Cat was drawn to the Youth Committee because of an interest in land use and land ownership issues in Scotland. A regular visitor to the National Park, Cat is honoured to be involved in preserving and helping the park thrive.

Cordelia has grown up in the National Park, appreciating its benefits and beauty. With hopes to go on to study Physical Geography, Cordelia believes working with the Youth Committee will provide a greater understanding of the physical and human aspects of the landscape.

Also, with an interest in geography, is university student Elspeth, who’s excited by the opportunity to play a role in tackling the climate crisis and to protect biodiversity and to have the chance to champion the youth voice.

Emily is hoping working with the Youth Committee will allow them to apply their skills in Human Geography and to find out how environmental and social injustice affects visitors and residents of the National Park.

Eva is also a National park Junior Ranger and values connecting with likeminded people and spending more time out in nature, as well as considering what would benefit both the Park and those who live in it or nearby.

While preparing for college, Ewan hopes to gain knowledge of how change is made in the National Park and experience of contributing to that change.

Islay is a seasoned Youth Committee member and Scottish Youth Parliament member and wants to influence, design, and action change in the National Park. Islay is passionate about the youth voice being heard within decision making processes.

Karen lives in the National Park has always had a passion for preserving and enjoying the outdoors, and wants other young people to experience the benefits of connecting with nature and visiting responsibly.

Kavya is most interested in the conservation of nature at the National Park, includes learning more about the nature crisis, and finding ways to make the National Park more sustainable and motivate people to support that.

Lucy is studying Social & Public Policy at university and is most excited about engaging with young people and fostering community spirit to get young people involved in the National Park.

Marcela has always thought that youth voices can be overlooked by leaders, whether it’s company directors, local governments or international organisations. After attending COY16 (UN Climate Change Conference of Youth) in 2021, Marcela saw just how many great ideas young people can bring to the table and felt empowered to join the Youth Committee.

Molly was introduced to the Youth Committee via our Junior Ranger Programme and is hoping to gain more knowledge of the National Park as a sector, particularly in work around tackling the biodiversity and climate crises.

Nairne is a Net Zero Policy Analyst who joined the National Park Youth Committee to learn about what the National Park is doing to tackle the climate crisis.

Oscar is fascinated about how climate change is going to affect the National Park and was drawn to the Youth Committee to further understand how the Park can mitigate climate change, particularly using nature-based solutions

With an interest in nature and transport solutions, Robyn is looking forward to sharing ideas and hearing other young people’s opinions, and getting involved in tackling big issues so other people can enjoy the National Park for years to come.

Sian is involved with several nature and outdoor organisations and is keen to influence policy, opinion and practices to open the National Park up to people of all abilities, backgrounds, ages, genders and socio-economic position.