£600,000 of Holyrood funds boost community projects

Written by The Scotsman

Friday, 25 May 2012

An awards scheme that brings young people from different backgrounds together to work for the benefit of their communities is to receive £600,000 of government funding. The Outward Bound Trust, together with The Mark Scott Foundation, will receive the funding over the next three years to help expand their work tackling divisive issues in society through community projects. This will enable more young people to take part and expand the geographical spread of where the projects are based. First Minister Alex Salmond announced the funding during the Mark Scott Foundation Leadership for Life awards ceremony in Glasgow last night. He presented awards to 22 groups of young people who have carried out projects such as renovating a school library, working in a care home and giving anti-racism lessons to primary school pupils. Mr Salmond said: “The Scottish Government is passionate about promoting opportunities for young people, whether through full-time education, training opportunities or full-time employment. We therefore strongly welcome the unique programme offered by the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Awards which does so much to benefit its participants.” The foundation was inspired by the life of Mark Scott, a 16-year-old schoolboy killed in 1995 in an unprovoked sectarian attack. It has been run in partnership with the Outward Bound Trust for the last 14 years and around 1,750 young people have taken part since its inception. Niall Scott, father of Mark and chairman of the foundation, said: “Since setting up the foundation, our aim has always been to nurture the talents and potential of young people and break down barriers within their local communities. “Our last group of young people have been exceptional and, with the help of the grant, it’s great to know that so many more young people will benefit over the next few years.”