Recently announced as the new Western Isles Regional Chairman of The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) Committee is Stornoway North Councillor, Roddie Mackay. 

Roddie takes over this new role from former Lochmaddy councillor, Donald Maclean, who led PSYBT in the region for the past 7 years.  Roddie is already familiar with the work of PSYBT, having served on the Lewis Panel as a volunteer for 5 years, and as an Aftercare Adviser for 2 of those.  “I am delighted and honoured to have received this appointment and I’m eager to expand the influence and impact of the PSYBT in the Western Isles” he said.

His role as Chairman will be combined with his day to day work as Managing Director of RMk Insurance Services, and he will be responsible for co-ordinating the work of the 25 Panel volunteers and 9 Aftercare volunteers, who help young people locally to set up and run their own businesses.

Since becoming PSYBT Chairman, Roddie has had an opportunity to evaluate how the Western Isles Regional Panel is structured in comparison with other regions throughout Scotland. Taking the geographical challenges of the region into consideration he decided, in consultation with PSYBT, to appoint a Vice-Chairman.  Roddie said “I am delighted to announce that Archie Campbell, Councillor for Benbecula and North Uist and Chairman of the Comhairle’s Sustainable Development Committee, has agreed to join me in leading our Regional team.  Together, we look forward to continuing and expanding on the good work of the PSYBT throughout the islands.” 

The PSYBT gives practical support to young people who want to run successful businesses.  The Trust was launched in 1989 by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay to help young people in Scotland to set up and continue in business. The Western Isles is one of 18 Regional Committees Scotland-wide which carries out the work of the PSYBT.  Since its launch, PSYBT in the Western Isles has supported over 300 young people into business.  In addition to financial support, each business is allocated their own Adviser who guides and offers practical support for a minimum of two years.

PSYBT in the Western Isles offers start-up funding and advice to young people aged between 18 and 30, with a business idea.  They also offer expansion funding.  For further information contact: Jane Campbell, PSYBT Regional Manager, Business Advantage, Stornoway, on 01851 707475 or visit www.psybt.org.uk