Welcome to Highland

Wanted: Young Peoples' Views of Highlands and Islands

Highland & Islands Enterprise needs your help to make the Highlands and Islands a fantastic and unique place for young people just like you to choose to be here.

Are you aged between 15 and 30? Do you live in the Highlands and Islands? Thinking of returning or moving to the area for the first time?

A new online survey has been launched to discover what the deciding factors are for young people choosing to stay, return or move to the Highlands and Islands. Researchers want to find out what young people think about education, jobs, quality of life and communication in the area.

The survey is designed to be quick and easy and should only take around 10 minutes to complete. And when you finish the survey you can enter a draw to win Amazon vouchers. It is anticipated that the survey will close at the end of June, with results available in early Autumn.

Do the survey now!

Young Scot Magazine

The new online interactive Young Scot magazine is available now!

Take a look for some great info to help you work and er, not work! There's some really useful tips for studying, learning and coping with stress, as well as some great ideas for how to spend your summer hols and where to look if you're stuck for things to do (www.youngscotwow.org hint hint!).

You can also check out the gossip from the Young Scot Awards and enter some great competitions. Anyone for festival tickets…??!

Highland Youth Voice

The revamped Highland Youth Voice Website is now live at www.hyv.org.uk

The original website was set up to support the activities of Highland Youth Voice, a local parliament for young people in the Highlands, through which they could express their views and concerns about being a young person.

Since then there has been a real desire to make the website more accessible and attractive to a wider range of young people other than the elected members. 

There are many ways for young people to use the new Highland Youth Voice website, they can just access it for information, drop in to have a "rant and rave" or they can get involved through their local youth forum or even be an aspiring politician and talk to the decision makers directly.

The Highland Youth Voice Executive, which is made up of all young people, is happy with the results and feedback from tests so far. Anna Dougan, the Chairperson from Nairn, said: "We believe the new website has answered all the requests of the young people and now has the potential to be far more accessible to a wider range of individuals. We just ask that as many young people as possible use the website and contribute to the content so that it remains informative and fun."

Young Scot WOW - What's On Where

Young Scot WOW (What's On Where) is a brand new search engine that lets you see all the activities and opportunities for young people (aged 11-26) in Scotland.

Young Scot WOW was launched on 11th March 2008 by Adam Ingram MSP for Children and Young People.

Opportunities on Young Scot WOW include one-off events, regular clubs and teams, gigs and concerts, college courses and volunteering opportunities as well as local sports centres, museums and galleries.

All the activities are divided into 'super categories' (Get Active, Entertain Me, Creative & Cultured, Get Involved, Volunteer & Learning Zone) to allow you to narrow down your search. You can also look for ideas by using key words. You can also look up a map to find where your nearest opportunities is to you.

As it's only freshly born if you know of any activities and opportunities in your area then get in touch with Young Scot. You can email: wow@youngscot.org  or phone 0808 801 0338 (Mon to Fri 10am - 6pm).

Young Scot WOW: www.youngscotwow.org

Young Scot InfoLine

If you want help or information on anything from arts, health, housing, benefits, money (and everything else in between!) then why not call Young Scot InfoLine.

It's confidential, and free from landlines and most mobile networks. They can give you useful information on these topics to set you on your way.

Phone: 0808 801 0338 (open Mon to Fri 10am - 6pm)

Young Scot National Entitlement Card

The new National Entitlement Card for young people is a free electronic smart card for all young people aged 11 to 26.

The card has been created by the Scottish Government, Young Scot, your local council and lots of other organisations working together so that it's easier for you to use their services across Scotland.

Travel - The card will enable young people to get cheaper transport on buses, trains and ferries.

If you are 16, 17 or 18 then you can get: One-third off adult single fares on buses all over Scotland, a free Young Person's Railcard - cutting up to one-third off train fares or two free return ferry journeys to the mainland if you live on an island.

We are busy building local services and discounts into your Young Scot NEC card. Check back soon to find out more!

In the meantime, you can contact us at the number below if you want an application form to get the card. Phone: 0870 428 6947