Caitlyn Munro is the latest young person to take on the unique role of Highland youth convener.
While some other councils have youth conveners, Highland is the only area to offer the position full-time, and paid.
With a background in youth work and a degree in childcare, 21-year-old Caitlyn is passionate about representing young people.
Highland has an ageing population, and less than 10% of its councillors are under 30. This makes Caitlyn’s role all the more important and she’s excited to get started.
“It’s a unique role and a great opportunity to work with Highland Council,” says Caitlyn. “I love working with young people. This role will give me the connections at the top to the people who can make a difference.”
Mental health and rural geography
Caitlyn admits she doesn’t have a great interest in party politics. Instead, she’s interested in meeting a range of people and hearing their different perspectives.
However, she already has some ideas of where she’d like to start.
Caitlyn’s predecessor, Anya Johnston, mostly focused on mental health issues. This is a cause close to Caitlyn’s heart too.
“Post-pandemic, young people in Highland are really struggling with their mental health and wellbeing,” she says. “Anya did so much work on that and I don’t want to leave it behind. I hope to pick it up and carry it on.”
Caitlyn’s role is hosted by High Life Highland, the council’s arms-length arts and leisure charity. Caitlyn is the 14th youth convener since 2007 and carries on a strong legacy.
The Highland youth convener works closely with young people across the area through Highland Youth Parliament, area youth forums and secondary school pupil councils.
Taking it on the road
Caitlyn, from Tain, is also keen to travel across the Highlands and meet people in person.
“We’re all aware of the geography of the Highlands and the challenges facing rural communities,” she says. “I think it’s important to reach other areas. I’m keen to do a roadshow to connect with young people and build a face-to-face relationship.
“I want to tell people about my own journey into the role and how it gave me a big confidence boost. Maybe I can inspire them to get involved in their own community.”
For Caitlyn, that journey started with an apprentice shadowing day at Highland Council. Caitlyn shadowed then education boss James Vance, and found it really interesting.
That was a couple of years back, but Caitlyn didn’t feel ready to go for it. “I was so shy then, I’d never have done this. I wouldn’t even stand up in front of my class,” she says.
Since then, Caitlyn has gained valuable experience as an assistant youth worker with High Life Highland and completed a BA in Child and Youth Studies at UHI. She has also worked with the Cub Scouts and completed the High Life Highland leadership programme.
“Doing those local projects really helped to build my confidence,” she says. “I figured if you don’t try, you never know! I feel honoured to be given this amazing opportunity.”
A vote and a voice
Indeed, the Highland youth convener role is much more than a gesture. Caitlyn has speaking rights at every strategic committee, and full voting rights at education committee.
The role provides a direct link from elected members to young people in Highland, and acts as a sounding board in policy development.
Education chairman John Finlayson says youth conveners can be very influential.
“At the height of Covid, the youth convener was very active in engaging with young people and council officers, feeding back the real pressures they were facing,” he recalls.
“If we really want to hear the opinions of our young people then we need to work with and support the youth convener role in all its guises.
“I’m delighted to welcome Caitlyn to Highland Council. I’m also pleased that Highland continues to be an authority that values this important role.”
Caitlyn says the position is inspiring. “I want to be open, approachable and relatable to young people in Highland, so they can see me representing their views.
“They will know that their voice is valued.”
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