Scottish teenager from Aberdeenshire lands 'dream job' as butterfly and moth champion for charity

A teenager from Aberdeenshire has landed his “dream role” as a butterfly and moth youth champion.

Harris McCutcheon has landed a role representing Scotland on a youth panel of champions at national charity Butterfly Conservation.

The 17-year-old is one of ten members of the panel, which will represent young nature lovers at festivals and demonstrations and in the charity’s annual Big Butterfly Count, to inspire a new generation of conservationists and campaigners.

Harris, who grew up in Torphins, but recently moved to Glasgow to pursue his studies at Glasgow University, said: “I have always loved animals, and even though my interest in butterflies only started roughly two years ago, I am obsessed now.

“My favourite species I have seen is the Elephant Hawkmoth, and one day I would love to see a Black Veined White.

“I think that the best way to learn about an interest, like butterflies, is to get involved and meet people. Butterfly Conservation is a brilliant way to get into butterflies and moths and it’s great fun.”

With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Butterfly Conservation created the panel in an effort to engage more young people with nature.

It comes after a UK-wide Butterfly Emergency in September following the charities worst-ever results in the annual ‘Big Butterfly Count’.

Butterfly Conservation head of engagement Kate Merry said: “We are seeing the impacts of climate change at a scary rate right now, and we know that the next generation, today’s young people, will be hugely affected.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to have appointed our first-ever Youth Panel, and to give young voices a platform in the world of conservation. Their passion for nature is inspiring, and we can’t wait to see the positive, fresh ideas they’ll bring to the table, not just for us but for the wider conservation community as well.”