Public Health Scotland (PHS) welcomes Cllr Nairn McDonald as a new member of the PHS Board, an appointment jointly sponsored by Scottish Government and COSLA.

Cllr McDonald has over ten years' experience as a Youth and Community Leader, Advocate and Champion working on both national and international campaigns, events and strategies. He began his political career in North Ayrshire Youth Council and Scottish Youth Parliament, leading the latter's national campaign to challenge poverty: See It Change It. Cllr McDonald was elected as a councillor for North Ayrshire in 2022 where he took on the role of Carers Champion, regularly engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders, including carers, local authorities, and healthcare providers. He is employed as a Project Manager at LeadersUnlocked, an organisation which empowers young people to become change leaders and is also a trustee for Willowacre Trust, the charitable subsidiary of West of Scotland Housing Association.

Cllr McDonald identifies as an unpaid carer and a disabled individual.

Angiolina Foster, Chair of the Public Health Scotland Board welcomes Cllr McDonald to the Board by saying, “I know I speak for the whole Board when I say how delighted we are to have Cllr Nairn McDonald joining us.  His experience, both personal and professional, will be a real asset and we look forward to having him on the team.”

Cllr Morrison, President of COSLA, added, "Cllr McDonald impressed us throughout the recruitment process with his unique perspective. His varied experience will be vital to progress PHS's important work at both a local and national level. We look forward to working with our colleagues in PHS to support Cllr McDonald as he joins the Board."

Cllr McDonald will join PHS at an exciting time as we continue working to prevent disease, prolong healthy life and promote health and wellbeing across the country and will bring his own skills and experience to support our Board in setting the strategic direction of the organisation.