Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is proud to announce a three-year partnership with the Scottish Government through the CashBack for Communities programme. The Scottish Government is donating £375,000 over three years to allow 576 young people to experience an adventure under sail with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland’s New Horizons programme.
Yesterday the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill met OYT Scotland’s CEO and Chairman, accompanied by some young leaders and trustees, on board Alba Volunteer to announce the project. New Horizons aims to help young people (16-19 years old) build their confidence, responsibility, resilience and ability to work as part of a team. The young people will also gain nationally accredited qualifications and improve their employability.
Commenting on the project, Kenny MacAskill said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity for young people across Scotland to develop unique skills, build confidence and gain vital experience to better equip them for the rest of their lives. This also gives young people living next to our beautiful coastline, but who have never before left dry land, their first adventure on the high seas.
“It is particularly gratifying that OYT Scotland’s New Horizons project is being funded through the ill-gotten gains of the very criminals who seek to cause misery in Scotland’s communities.
“I wish all the participants well as they set sail towards new horizons.”
The CashBack for Communities money comes from money seized from criminals and reinvests it in schemes and projects to benefit communities throughout Scotland to allow them to flourish. Upon news of the funding, OYT Scotland Chief Executive, Nick Fleming, said: “The Scottish Government has long been a supporter of our work. This fantastic news means we can work with far more young people, especially those affected by crime and disorder, and help them to use their sail training experience to build their skills, broaden their horizons and move into positive destinations.”
For more information on this announcement please contact the OYT Scotland office on 01475 722 722 or email office@oytscotland.org.uk.