600,000 for "inspirational" awards programme

25th May 2012

An innovative awards scheme that brings together young people from different backgrounds to work for the benefit of their communities will be backed by a 600,000 pounds grant from the Scottish Government, First Minister Alex Salmond announced this week.

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 practical community projects, enabling more young people in Scotland to take part.

The First Minister said the funding would help grow the hugely successful awards scheme by increasing the annual number of participants, encouraging more schools to take part and expanding the geographical spread of where the projects are based.

Mr Salmond made the announcement at the annual Leadership Awards ceremony in Glasgow on Thursday evening, where he presented awards to 22 groups of young people that have carried out projects such as renovating a school library, working in an elderly care home and delivering anti-racism lessons to primary school pupils.

During the ceremony, attended by more than 650 people, the First Minister praised the work of the Foundation, which was inspired by the life of Mark Scott, a 16-year-old schoolboy killed in 1995 in an unprovoked sectarian attack.

Mr Salmond said the Foundation and the Leadership Award, run in partnership with the Outward Bound Trust for the last 14 years, were an inspiration, helping change the lives of more than 1,750 young people who have taken part since the programme's inception.

The First Minister 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.

"These are truly remarkable and inspirational awards, which have already helped change the lives of more than 1,750 young people by increasing their self confidence and developing their practical leadership and teamwork skills.

"I am therefore delighted to announce that over the next three years, the Scottish government will provide �600,000 of funding for the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award, enabling an increase in the number of participants, encouraging more schools to get involved and expanding the geographical spread of the community projects that make neighbourhoods across Scotland better places to live.

"As well as these practical benefits to communities, the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award encourages greater integration and cohesion within Scottish society by bringing together people from disparate backgrounds. The Award programme creates bonds of friendship, co-operation and understanding which will last for the participants' lifetime.

"I congratulate all of the participants on their achievements so far and in the years to come I look forward to many more young people, from all backgrounds and walks of life, benefitting from this programme, and the positive experiences it can bring."

Niall Scott, chairman of The Mark Scott 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. I would like to thank everybody who has made this possible for their tremendous commitment to the Award, particularly the Scottish Government, our other funders, The Outward Bound Trust, and also our School Champions."

Martin Davidson, Scottish Director at The Outward Bound Trust, added:"Last night's event was a celebration of success for the 148 young people who have participated in The Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award Programme over the last ten months, which has seen them collectively deliver 22 community projects benefiting more than 1,100 people."

"More than 700 people attended yesterday - it was a fantastic evening, made even more so with the announcement of the government funding, which will enable us to work with a lot more young Scots over the coming years, building their confidence, so that they can help build their local communities."

The Mark Scott Foundation was established in 1996 following the death of Glasgow schoolboy Mark Scott in an unprovoked sectarian attack.

The Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award was established in 1997 by the Foundation in partnership with the Outward Bound Trust. Since its inception more than 1,750 young people have achieved the award. More information on the awards scheme is available at www.markscottleadershipforlifeaward.org.uk/