International Youth Day 2026: Meet the young volunteers making a difference in Scotland’s rural communities

International Youth Day takes place on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. The official United Nations theme for 2026 is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” which highlights that while young people experience diverse local and national realities, they share common goals like dignity, quality education, decent work, and a sustainable future.

To celebrate, Scottish Rural Action (SRA) and the Youth Local Action Group (YLAG) network are spotlighting youth members and how they support their rural and island communities.

Cleaning a grandparent’s house. Caring for a sibling or parent. Helping on the family’s beef and arable farm. Traveling to the central belt to speak on issues. Being a trustee. Meeting with peers to shape a local programme, event, or training opportunity. Managing and distributing pots of funding to support others’ projects. All while holding a job or multiple ones, and sometimes even studying at the same time. 

Ahead of International Youth Day 2026, several Youth Local Action Group (YLAG) members took to Scottish Rural Action’s instagram account to share what an average week looks like for them, in their own words.

They also each reflected on a change they wanted to see happen before the next International Youth Day in 2027. Iona Dundas, from Orkney YLAG, said:

“I want to see more meaningful, long-term engagement with youth voice groups from people in power. And by meaningful, I mean that the people in power should come, actively listen to the youth voice, and if they can’t act on it, explain why. 

I’d also like more frequent bus services as many struggle to access events and jobs in their local community, which further increases the isolation many feel. 

And while I recognise that a solution won’t come within a year, people are still crying out for more affordable housing in rural areas across Scotland.”

Ellie Moore, from Cairngorms YLAG, said: 

“This time next year, I’d love to see more opportunities and long-term funded posts for young people to get involved in the conservation industry and work with nature. 

Our generation is so environmentally conscious and has both the passion and drive: we just need more job security, to give young people the confidence to start careers which will keep our rural landscapes safe in the future!

I also hope to see more affordable housing in the Highlands!”

Gabi Brame, from Forth Valley and Lomond YLAG, said:

“We love to support local folks to run their own amazing projects through our Youth Impact Fund, which is currently in its third year. I especially enjoy supporting climate action and biodiversity related projects. 

So, this time next year I hope to see more ecological restoration projects popping up in our area! I’d also love to see more bicycle paths connecting rural communities.”

Aurelia Drayak, from Orkney YLAG, added:

“This time next year I want to see a children’s hospital being built so we can finally access pediatric health care without leaving Orkney.

Currently, children and young people have to travel off island by boat or plane for even the simplest care. Because of how long the boat takes, and infrequent flights and schedules, you can lose a day on either side of an appointment.

For those with disabilities or complex health, months of their life can be taken by the travel alone.”

Ibrahim Raji, from Borders YLAG, added:

“I would like to see bike-accessible buses, and have more Youth Local Action Group events!”

The full responses can be found at: Rural-Volunteer-Spotlight-International-Youth-Day  

YLAGs are youth-led groups, supported by their regional Local Action Group, where the youth members decide their group’s aims, priorities, and activities. Many YLAGs secure a pot of funding to distribute locally as grants or to apply to the group’s own projects.

If you are interested in starting a new YLAG in your region, collaborating with or supporting an existing YLAG team, or if you would like to share an opportunity or invitation with the YLAG network, Scottish Rural Action acts as a central point of contact. You can e-mail the project coordinator at Scottish Rural Action: mia@sra.scot