High Life Highland is looking for new non-executive directors to join both its charity board and trading board, offering a unique opportunity for people across the Highlands and beyond to play a key role in shaping services that benefit thousands of residents and visitors every year.
Since its establishment by The Highland Council in 2011, High Life Highland has been dedicated to making life better through affordable access to opportunities in health and wellbeing, learning and culture. From leisure centres and libraries to archives, community centres, outdoor activities, music tuition and visitor attractions, the charity delivers a diverse range of services that support communities across the region.
Being involved with a charity such as High Life Highland is immensely rewarding as we strive to make life better for people across the Highlands
Chair, High Life Highland Charity Board
An Opportunity to Make a Difference
Serving as a director is a rewarding way to contribute strategic expertise and help guide one of the Highlands’ largest and most impactful charities.
The organisation is seeking individuals with a wide range of skills and experience. In particular, applications are encouraged from those with expertise in:
- Financial management and governance
- Attractions and visitor experiences
- Leisure and wellbeing services
- Commercial ventures
- Food and drink businesses
The High Life Highland charity board consists of four elected members from The Highland Council alongside eight independent directors. The trading board is made up of nine directors, all bringing valuable knowledge and experience to these voluntary roles.
Helping to Make Life Better
Recently appointed Chair of the High Life Highland Board, Michael Boylan, believes the opportunity is both meaningful and rewarding.
“Being involved with a charity such as High Life Highland is immensely rewarding as we strive to make life better for people across the Highlands. Seeing the positive impact our committed teams have throughout the region is hugely gratifying.
“The opportunity to contribute to an organisation that plays such an important role in the lives of residents and visitors alike does not come along often. We look forward to welcoming new members who can bring fresh ideas, alongside strong entrepreneurial, commercial and financial experience.”
Giving Something Back
For existing board members, the opportunity to support High Life Highland has provided a fulfilling way to give back to local communities.
Valerie Graham, who serves on the High Life Highland Trading Board, said:
“Following a career in hospitality, executive leadership, operational transformation and governance, serving as a director on the High Life Highland Trading Board has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity to give something back.
“It allows me to use my experience to support an organisation that has a real impact on communities across the Highlands. Working alongside passionate and talented board colleagues is both inspiring and fulfilling, and I would encourage anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference to consider joining the board.”
Fellow Trading Board director Andrew Button also highlighted the positive impact High Life Highland has had on his own life.
“After a long career in banking, retirement came as a bit of a shock after a lifetime of structure and organisation. Settling in Golspie, we were fortunate to have a leisure centre on our doorstep, and the opportunity to use its facilities helped greatly with that transition. High Life Highland really does live up to its purpose of making life better for people.
“I therefore took the opportunity to join High Life Highland as a director because I could see the difference it makes in supporting communities across the Highlands and promoting wellbeing, learning and culture for all residents.
“Serving as a director has allowed me to give something back to my community and support the charity in continuing to deliver these valuable services, hopefully for generations to come.”
Building Diverse and Representative Boards
High Life Highland is committed to maintaining balanced and diverse boards that reflect the communities it serves. While all applications will be considered on merit and suitability for the role, the charity particularly welcomes applications from women, younger people and individuals from ethnically diverse communities.
Fresh perspectives and varied experiences are vital in helping the organisation continue to innovate, evolve and meet the needs of communities across the Highlands.
If you are passionate about making a positive difference and have skills and experience that could help support High Life Highland's future success, this could be the perfect opportunity.
The closing date for applications is 5 August 2026.
Find out more
For more information and to apply please visit the Board Recruitment webpage.
