The youngest director helping to run the community-owned island of Gigha has been shortlisted for a national award.
Brandon Clements, 20, is one of four finalists in the young director category at the Scottish Director of the Year Awards in September, organised by the Institute of Directors Scotland (IoD).
Since Gigha’s community buyout in 2002, the island’s population has grown to 160, reversing a 300-year decline.
The island trust and its subsidiary companies manage the majority of Gigha’s assets, which are overseen by a board of nine voluntary directors.
Brandon has been on the board since he was 19 and he plays a key role in development plans that aim to encourage young people to stay on Gigha.
They include new starter housing units and opportunities for apprenticeship roles at Achamore Gardens and in countryside management.
He said: “My friends were surprised at my decision to join the board as it just wasn’t the ‘done thing’ for young people.
“However, I recognised that to encourage young people to stay on Gigha, their needs had to be voiced and recognised.”
Trust chairman Ian Wilson said: “Brandon has brought a great deal to the work and thinking of the board.
“Most boards tend to be made up of older people.
“Not only has he dragged us into the 21st century communications wise, he has also challenged the board to think about what young people want from communities like ours, and how we might encourage more young people to come to live on Gigha.”
