Archie Webster: A Local Hero Making a Difference
Inverness is a city steeped in history, but among its ancient streets and towering castles, a new hero has emerged. Archie Webster, a 15-year-old student at Inverness Royal Academy, is not your average teenager. In fact, he’s anything but ordinary. Archie’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and a deep desire to give back to his community.
The Journey Begins
Two and a half years ago, Archie’s life took an unexpected turn when a sports injury left him unable to participate in the Inverness Parkrun at Torvean. Faced with this setback, Archie could have easily given up and retreated into his shell. But instead, he chose a different path—one that would lead him to discover his true calling.
Archie’s decision to volunteer at the Parkrun marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. From timekeeping to marshalling, Archie embraced his new role with enthusiasm and dedication. Little did he know that this simple act of volunteering would set him on a path to greatness.
The Young Leadership Programme
It wasn’t long before Archie’s passion for volunteering caught the attention of High Life Highland. The organization’s Young Leadership Programme, designed for individuals aged 12 to 25, became Archie’s new playground. Through this program, he volunteered at major events such as the Na Trad Awards and the Highland Cross, gaining valuable experience and making a positive impact on those around him.
Archie’s dedication to the Young Leadership Programme was nothing short of exceptional. In just two and a half years, he completed all eight ‘Hoodie’ milestones, a feat that earned him the prestigious title of ‘Diamond Hoodie’ recipient—the first of its kind in the program’s history.
A Heart of Gold
But Archie’s journey didn’t stop there. Last year, he was awarded High Life Highland’s Inspiring Young Leader trophy at the i-care awards. His crowning achievement came in the form of a charity fundraiser for Mikeysline, a cause close to his heart. Cycling 83 miles from Inverness to Aviemore and back in treacherous weather conditions, Archie raised an impressive £1,372 for the organization.
Reflecting on his volunteer journey, Archie shared, “I have had some amazing experiences and opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people.” His commitment to making a difference in his community is truly inspiring and serves as a beacon of hope for others.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Archie contemplates his future, the possibilities seem endless. Whether pursuing a career in sports or engineering, he is determined to continue his volunteer work and take on new challenges. With a supportive family by his side—his mum, Eleanor, a healthcare support worker, his dad, Doug, an electrical engineer, and his younger sister, Grace—Archie has all the ingredients for success.
Looking ahead, Archie remains grateful for the life skills he has gained through the Young Leadership Programme. “The leadership programme has allowed me to gain valuable life skills from many different sports training sessions that I will be able to use in many different situations,” he expressed.
A Community Champion
High Life Highland chief executive Steve Walsh praised Archie’s efforts, calling them “absolutely amazing.” Archie’s contributions to his community have not gone unnoticed, with Walsh emphasizing that he is “helping to make life better every day for people in his local community.”
Archie Webster is more than just a volunteer. He is a symbol of hope, a beacon of light in a world that often feels dark and uncertain. As he continues on his journey of giving back, Archie’s impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. In a city rich with history, Archie Webster is carving out a legacy of his own—one that is built on kindness, generosity, and a deep sense of purpose.