Gibson welcomes cash for Highland youth groups

News release
Immediate release

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP has welcomed the news that £84,000 is to be made available to youth projects in the Highland Region.

The money comes from a central fund of £3 million which is taken from the proceeds of crime.

The funding will go to projects which support young people involved or at risk from violence, alcohol, drugs or antisocial behaviour as well as support for initiatives such as youth drop-in services and residential, environmental and outdoor activities including climbing walls, skate parks, mountain bikes and canoes and yachts.

Youth groups and projects across the areas will be invited to apply for funding which will be distrusted by youthlinkscotland.

Mr Gibson said:

"This is the first time that the ill gotten gains of crime will go to funding youth initiatives. I like the fact that the money will go to helping the future generation."

"This scheme will widen the chances of youngsters in the North participating in activates that will stretch them mentally and physically. It will also fund services that will offer them support and comfort and may save some from following a path of anti-social behaviour and crime."

"If young people are involved and offered positive choices then the benefit is not just for them but also society as a whole. I am calling on those youth groups and organisations across the region to apply for funding to offer those opportunities to the youth of the area."

ENDS

Note to editor:

YouthLink Scotland will administer the grant scheme. There will be two applications stages, with the first running in April/May 2008 with decisions taken by May 2008. The second stage will take place in August 2008 with decisions taken by mid-September 2008.