New research shows that 82% of Scottish young people feel a personal responsibility to be positive role models – with many already making a real difference in their communities.
Ruby McDonald from Glenrothes, Fife, Hayley Melrose from Danderhall, Midlothian and Magnus Turpie from Edinburgh are already making a difference to their communities and are being celebrated by The National Lottery as part of a new campaign spotlighting the inspirational young people driving real change across the UK.
Ruby, who after being diagnosed with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome later in childhood causing learning disabilities, has continued to pursue her passion of sport as a disability swimming, athletics and cross-country archery champion, and as well coaching other children with disabilities with Glenrothes Strollers.
Ruby, a member of Disability Sport Scotland Young Persons Sports Panel – a voluntary position that ensures that those with disabilities are represented regionally – has won numerous prizes in recognition of her amazing work including BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero award.
National Lottery funding from sport scotland is used for a Young Ambassador programme as part of the organisation’s contribution to developing young people as leaders in sport.
Each year, pupils fromsecondary schools across Scotland can become Young Ambassadors to promote sport and motivate and inspire other young people to get involved in sport in their schools, clubs and local communities.
Ruby has served with distinction as an additional ambassador at her school in Fife.
Ruby McDonald said: “Sport has given me confidence, purpose, and the chance to help others – especially young people with disabilities who might not think opportunities are out there for them. I want young people with disabilities to know they belong in sport – not just as participants, but as leaders too.”
Committed to preserving Scottish heritage Hayley Melrose, a fourth year History student at the University of Stirling, has been a volunteer for the eco-museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes, since the project launched in 2024, a virtual museum which explores the hidden local landscape legacies of coal mining across the Scottish midland coalfield through a series of cycling and walking routes.
The project has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Through her volunteering with the eco-museum, Hayley was invited to sit on the board of the Collection Trust for the National Mining Museum of Scotland.
With just 5 trustee members before Hayley joined, she is the youngest member to have ever been on the trust at just 21 years old, and the second woman to sit on the collection trust with her university tutor, Dr Catherine Mills.
Hayley Melrose said: “Inspired by my own family’s rich mining heritage, I’m passionate about preserving the legacy it leaves o and making sure these stories don’t get lost.
“Getting involved in volunteering and the Eco-Museum has opened up opportunities I never knew young people could get involved with.
“Looking ahead, I want to use my platform to advocate for other young people and change the face of heritage in the UK.”
Musician, Magnus Turpie has Down Syndrome and plays and composes for several instruments, particularly the accordion.
When Magnus was young, the expectations of what he could achieve were rock-bottom, according to mum Linda. Despite that, Magnus has gone on to achieve incredible things – he’s been a regular player at ceilidhs, pub sessions and festivals, and has performed with numerous groups including Lung Ha Theatre Company, Totally Sound, Paragon and Drake Music Scotland and at venues such as Edinburgh Castle.
He has received National Lottery funding from Creative Scotland.
Magnus Turpie said: “Music is a language and means of communication open to all. Through music, I’ve been able to show that Down’s Syndrome doesn’t define what I can achieve.
“The National Lottery Create:Inclusion funding has helped me to make inroads into the traditional music world here in Scotland and beyond.
“I’ve gone on to play in ceilidhs, festivals, and release my own album and work hard to push the boundaries of what people expect from people with learning disabilities.”
Ruby, Hayley and Magnus’ stories exemplify the findings of new research by The National Lottery, which reveals that young people across Scotland are stepping up to become role models for the next generation – and doing so in deeply personal, community-driven ways.
The study, conducted with Gen Z expert Chloe Combi, surveyed 5,000 young adults across the UK and found that 82% of Scottish young people say they feel a personal responsibility to set a positive example for the next generation.
A further 83% expressed concern about the impact of toxic role models, particularly those online, prompting many to take proactive steps in real life.
While high-profile figures like Barack Obama, Greta Thunberg, Sir Chris Hoy and Stormzy were identified as influential, most young adults said their greatest role models are real people – parents, grandparents, friends, teachers and colleagues – people they see making a difference every day.
This surge in real-world role modelling is fuelling a wider movement, dubbed ‘Generation GC’ (Game Changers) by The National Lottery – a generation using their skills, values and energy to build stronger, kinder, more connected communities.
Across Scotland, this is already happening:
- 77% of young adults surveyed said they’ve taken part in a community project in their past year.
- 77% want even more opportunities to get involved, from volunteering to leading local initiatives.
- 58% believe the best way to be a role model is by getting involved with community volunteering projects.
Chloe Combi, author and Gen Z researcher, said: “This incredible research from The National Lottery and myself both highlights and confirms what I’ve seen for over a decade – young people are deeply committed to community and change.
“They are nothing like the self-absorbed stereotype often portrayed in the media. Their admiration for role models who foster social good is refreshing and powerful.”
Thanks to the £30 million raised every week by National Lottery players, thousands of projects – including those that helped Hayley and Magnus on their journeys – are funded across the arts, sport, heritage, and community sectors.
Jonathan Tuchner, from The National Lottery Promotions Unit, said:
“This study shows how passionate young adults are about stepping up as positive role models and making a difference in their communities. They’re determined to shape a better society, and that commitment deserves real recognition.
“Every day, we see National Lottery-funded projects led by and involving young people transforming lives through sport, the arts, heritage and community. From grassroots initiatives in Scotland to large-scale programmes nationwide, these efforts are helping to build stronger, more connected communities.
“We encourage everyone to discover what’s happening locally in Scotland and get involved. Thanks to the £30 million raised each week by National Lottery players, these inspiring efforts are having a game-changing impact across the UK.”
Find out about The National Lottery-backed initiatives taking place in your area: 
https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/near-you/projects
Interested in funding for your own community project? https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/funding