Making a big difference to youth activities, with relatively little time commitment, is the offer from a local action group.

The Outer Hebrides Youth Local Action Group funded six projects across the islands last year, dividing £5,000 of Scottish Government funding between projects in Lewis, Harris and Barra.

The money came from a rural communities fund, specifically set up to bridge the gap between European LEADER funding and new Scottish Government input.

Central to the project’s ethos was the role of young islanders, aged 16-30, and their input into the whole process of encouraging applications and allocating support.

Now the Outer Hebrides YLAG is looking for new individuals to join in the steering process, with a key part to play in future plans for youth groups, organisations, community groups and individuals wanting to apply to the fund.

YLAG members encourage applications from projects working with young people, then meet in person or online to debate and decide on which applications will succeed.

In 2022 they awarded money for climate change, art, outdoor activity and teen club projects. This year, the members themselves will be able to participate in networking with other YLAGs, including a possible residential weekend in Orkney next month.

A spokesperson for Outer Hebrides YLAG said: “We seek to be as representative of the Outer Hebrides as possible, and so we would particularly like to hear from lesser-heard voices.”

If you are interested in joining the Outer Hebrides YLAG, or curious about the fund, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send a message via social media @outerhebrides_ylag.