The Highlands and Islands Climate Collective
The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub are pleased to launch The Highlands and Islands Climate Collective. A space for young people in Highland, Orkney & Shetland aged 16-30 who are passionate about climate action.
The Highlands and Islands Climate Collective spotlights ways that young people can act against the climate emergency, connect with community groups and organisations, and help build skills to enter sustainable careers.
The initiative has been co-created by two project officers at the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub alongside a Youth Advisory Board who input to its priorities and activities. The Highlands and Islands Climate Collective was developed to amplify the voices of young people so that they can meaningfully participate in climate action and be heard at local, regional and national level.
Highlands and Islands Climate Hub Community Development Officer and Highlands and Islands Climate Collective Project Officer, Aisling Phillips said:
“This is a really exciting project to be part of. Volunteering and taking part in youth-led climate action played a huge role in shaping my own journey into a sustainable career, so I’m delighted to now support like-minded young people to explore similar pathways and connect with opportunities within their own communities!”
The launch event takes place on the 29th April 2026 and will be hosted online to allow as many attendees as possible over the large geographical location. This event will explore why it’s so important for young people to get involved in climate action while allowing young people to hear firsthand experiences of how opportunities have shaped personal and career development. It will include too, how community groups can connect with young people.
Highlands and Islands Climate Hub Business Support Officer and Highlands and Islands Climate Collective Project Officer, Ashleigh Coghill said:
“Climate Collective’s launch is the culmination of our work to deliver the vision we developed with the Youth Advisory Board, so to see it come to fruition with an event that will bring together young people and organisations, highlight opportunities and hear the benefits of youth involvement in climate action is a really energising start and we look forward to growing from here!”
Organisers are thrilled that Alyson MacKay, 2050 Climate Group Operations Coordinator will attend the launch event as a speaker sharing her experiences of being a young volunteer, as well as the value young people can bring to volunteering in community and climate action.
Post launch, Highlands and Islands Climate Collective will offer specifically selected opportunities in volunteering, training, green career opportunities and events which support the personal and environmental ambitions of those involved. It will also work with community groups and stakeholders interested in engaging with young people and provide invaluable information on how to work effectively with young people.
To supplement the launch, the project co-ordinators have been working closely with fellow young person and Graphic Designer, Shannon Barclay to design a logo which reflects the aims and objectives of the Highlands and Islands Climate Collective. The logo will be revealed in advance of the launch via the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.