Young Scot appoints new board members

National youth charity Young Scot has appointed its youngest ever vice chair.

Seventeen year old Abbie Wilson was elected to the post at the charity’s annual general meeting and it is believed that Wilson is now one of the youngest official office bearers on any board in Scotland.

Hailing from Livingston, Wilson was youth commissioner on the Scottish Government appointed Commission for Smoking Prevention. She also sat on the judging panel for the 2014 Young Scot Awards and was youth legacy ambassador during the Commonwealth Games.

Last year she received a Saltire Summit Award for her volunteering work and is a youth leader for St Andrew’s First Aid.

It speaks volumes for Young Scot that the future of the organisation is shaped by young Scots

Abbie Wilson

Of her appointment Wilson said: "I am delighted to be the vice chair of such an incredible organisation which engages with so many young people on a daily basis.

“It speaks volumes for Young Scot that the future of the organisation is shaped by young Scots such as myself and Terri (Smith who was appointed to the board as the chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament) and I believe that more charities should follow in their footsteps by appointing young people as trustees.”

Dame Sue Bruce, the former chief executive of City of Edinburgh Council, was returned as chair to oversee the strategic direction and operation of Young Scot.

She added: “Young Scot is a stronger organisation thanks to the contribution of young people like Abbie and Terri to its governance and strategic direction. We are delighted to have their experience and insight available to the Board, especially as we look to implement Young Scot’s strategy for 2016 to 2019.”