Nairn student’s Dalai Lama honour

Nairn teenager Amy McCann will take centre stage on Saturday when she introduces Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness.

It will be the pinnacle of the year for the 18-year-old who has just completed her studies at Nairn Academy.

Amy, whose subjects included religious, moral and philosophical studies, was invited to compere the much-anticipated sellout event after her skills as an accomplished debater were spotted.

"Being given the chance to meet and introduce His Holiness is a tremendous honour,"she said. "The philosophy of Buddhism was very rewarding to study and I have gained insight into some of the philosophical background that shapes the ideology of His Holiness.

"He is a fascinating man and brings an inspiring message of non-violence, compassion and universal responsibility. I am hugely looking forward to his speech ‘Be the change’."

Amy will also chair a question and answer session when the Dalai Lama will respond to the questions of young people.

Highland Council Leader Drew Hendry said: "Given the focus on young people it is great to see Amy playing such a prominent role in the visit of the Dalai Lama. She is an excellent ambassador for young people and I am sure she will do us proud on the day."

The Dalai Lama - who turns 77 next month - is one of the world’s most revered leaders. He was forced into exile in 1959, following the Chinese invasion of Tibet and has since lived in Dharamsala in northern India.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and was awarded the £1.1m Templeton Prize last month at St Paul’s Cathedral in London for his engagement with science and people beyond his religious traditions.

He describes himself as a simple Buddist monk.

* See tomorrow's Inverness Courier to read more about the Dalai Lama's visit.