A lifeline service for young carers will be set up in memory of a popular Perthshire councillor.
Barbara Vaughan died in hospital after an accident on the A9, near Killiecrankie, in December 2017.
The 77-year-old Conservative councillor was a leading figure in education across Tayside for decades.
Now Perth and Kinross Council has approved plans to establish an advocacy support service – targeting groups of “young people at key transition points in their life” – at a cost of £25,000.
The facility will offer youngsters a place for respite and support. A site for the service has yet to be announced.
Lifelong Learning convener and fellow Conservative Caroline Shiers said she was delighted to announce the move.
“Former councillor Barbara Vaughan was a champion for all children and young people,” she said.
“She was unapologetic in her desire to see them succeed, regardless of any barriers or difficulties they might face in life.”
She said the investment would ensure young carers have a dedicated space where they can gather, relax, socialise and study in a supportive environment.
The space will be equipped with IT resources, to help with out-of-school studying, and staffed by support workers.
Ms Shiers said: “This space will be named in Barbara’s memory and I will be arranging an official opening later this year.”
Local SNP group leader Dave Doogan first called Ms Vaughan to be commemorated by the council at a meeting in January 2018.
He said at the time: “Barbara’s funeral was attended by members from across the chamber, in what was a fitting testament to the extremely high regard in which she was held by all of us who had the honour of working with her.”
Mrs Vaughan served on several economic and educational boards, nationally and locally, including the Manpower Services Commission, Scottish Exam Board, SCOTVEC and Dundee University Court.
She was also a former director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
The former Strathtay councillor lived in Caputh, near Dunkeld, and was latterly considering a move to be nearer her family following the death of her husband Robin.
