Young Scot has announced that two new trustees have been appointed to the charity's board. Aksa Ali (18) and Amy Simmons (16) join the Board of Trustees during Scotland's Year of Young People, bringing the number of Young Scot trustees under the age of 20 to three, strengthening its commitment to having young people at the heart of decision making within the organisation. Aksa describes herself as "an advocate for children's and young people's rights and child participation." She sits on the Young Scot Fairer Future Panel, advising the Scottish Government on its new equalities strategy. She is currently studying Accountancy at the University of the West of Scotland. Amy is a Year of Young People ambassador who has volunteered with Young Scot for several years. She is a vice captain at Larbert High and is actively involved within her community, having volunteered with British Heart Foundation among others.

Sistema Scotland, the charity which runs the Big Noise programme for children living in disadvantaged areas, has announced the appointment of Benny Higgins as its new chairman. Benny, who grew up in Govanhill, where one of the charity’s Big Noise centres is based, will succeed Richard Holloway, Sistema Scotland’s founder, who will retire as chairman of the board in December.

The Scottish Seabird Centre has announced the appointment of leading wildlife conservationist Susan Davies as its new chief executive. Susan has extensive senior leadership experience in public and third sector organisations, most recently as director of conservation for the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Announcing the appointment, David Windmill, chair of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: “The trustees and staff are absolutely delighted that Susan will be joining us as CEO in January."