Welcome to the autumn/winter 2017 issue of Conference Call.

With Scotland’s Year of Young People almost upon us, the latest issue of Conference Call is dedicated to our country’s inspirational young people and our greatest sporting achievements. In 2018 Scotland will celebrate the incredible young personalities, talents and achievers which inspire our nation through their ideas, attitudes and ambitions. We too take inspiration from this palpable drive and ambition – values which are closely aligned with our own refreshed vision centred on creating an environment which inspires ideas that change the world.

Introducing the Year in this issue of Conference Call is Mark Beaumont, one of the country’s foremost advocates for the young and a world-first record holder himself. Having recently circumnavigated the globe by bicycle for his ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ challenge, he opens up about the trip and his aspiration to help young people discover ‘their 80 days’.

Accompanying Mark in the issue’s cover feature is aspiring Scottish actress and Year of Young People 2018 organiser, Emma Ruse. A member of the Year’s advisory board, Emma reveals its themes, aims and plans – and why the supporting adults aren’t being forgotten.

Talent young and old abounded at the EICC on the evening of September 21 when we hosted the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards – or the ‘Scottish Sporting Oscars’, as it’s become known. Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland and Director of Events at VisitScotland, Paul Bush, reflects on an incredible night.

Also featured is Leah Hutcheon, Founder of online booking and scheduling software Appointedd and an Ambassador for Woman’s Enterprise in Scotland. For Conference Call Leah lifts the lid on her passion for the city she now calls home, its bourgeoning tech scene and its youth talent pool.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Conference Call. Please do get in touch if you have any feedback.

Marshall Dallas
Chief Executive