TWO South Ayrshire youngsters have been selected to promote opportunities available to young people in the county.

Alice Ridley, 15, and Mark Thorburn, 18, who are both from Ayr, have been announced as Year of Young People 2018 ambassadors for South Ayrshire.

The two ambassadors will be will be involved in making sure that young people and organisations in their communities know about Year of Young People 2018 activities while getting involved in projects with local authority and other partners.

Councillor William Grant, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “In South Ayrshire we are proud of the opportunities children and young people have to voice their opinions. Our Youth Forum is extremely successful, and we have numerous awards which celebrate the achievements of youngsters.

“Scotland’s Year of Young People is another opportunity to give young people a voice and ensure even more of them influence our decision-making processes. 

“Throughout 2018 and beyond we will continue to engage with young people to understand their aims, ambitions as we strive to give them the best possible start in life.”

Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot, added: “Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 will celebrate our outstanding young people on the global stage. 

“Its packed programme of incredible opportunities will inspire the whole country, showcase the incredible achievements of young Scots and open doors to new experiences.

“Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors in South Ayrshire are our local champions – telling everyone about the brilliant work taking place in their communities and challenging everyone to do something to celebrate.”

In addition to the new ambassadors, it has been announced that a Youth Legacy Ayrshire event has been funded in South Ayrshire through Create18, a funding programme administered by young people, on behalf of EventScotland, for young event organisers.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, added: “As part of the nation-wide programme of events, Create18 provides a fantastic and unique opportunity for young people to shine throughout 2018 by hosting their own local events.

"The events will put young people in the driving seat, celebrating their creativity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit.”

For more information about the Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors and the Create18 Fund, visit: young.scot/yoyp2018.