Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon has pledged her support for a group of young people working to protect the Cairngorms.
Cairngorms Youth Action gives young people a platform to engage with the natural and cultural heritage of their local rural communities.
The group is made up of people aged 14-26, who want to create positive change.
Team member Ellie Moore said: “The climate emergency is the single biggest issue to face my generation.
“We need make our voice heard and galvanise people into action to help reverse the situation. The Cairngorms Youth Action Team will be committed to speaking out and working on ways we can make that happen.”
Yesterday, Ms Gougeon visited the Cairngorms National Park Authority to meet the group and highlighted the benefits of the scheme for creating a “sustainable future” for the area.
The Angus North and Mearns MSP said: “It is vital that Scotland’s young people are listened to and included in decisions that affect their future, and the Cairngorms Youth Action project will do just that: empowering young people to play a strong role in creating a sustainable future for the Cairngorms – a vital piece of our natural heritage.
“I have been impressed with the energy and commitment of the young people I have met and would encourage any 14-26 year old who cares about the future of the national park to apply to join the team.”
The visit marks the start of Scotland’s Climate Week, which will be one of several key issues the action group will be turning their attention to going forward.