Scott praises youth services

MSP Tavish Scott has praised the work of youth charities and called on the SIC to be given funding to allow it to support its own youth services.

Speaking after a Scottish Parliamentary debate where he paid tribute to Shetland Islands Council’s youth services and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Mr Scott said it was vital to maintain funding for these services.

During the debate on Friday Mr Scott highlighted the benefits of local services on young people and youth work yesterday. He also singled out the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust which works with young people to develop employability skills through its leadership programme.

Shetland’s MSP also took the opportunity to highlight the work of Lerwick-based charity Mind Your Head, an organisation which relies on young volunteers to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

After the debate, Mr Scott said: “Young people across Scotland benefit from a variety of schemes and awards recognising their voluntary work. Charities including the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Mind Your Head help those in Shetland who might, for one reason or another, get left behind.

“It’s vital that these charities receive funding to keep up their good work. However, it’s also critical that the Council is given the means to maintain its own youth services and this is something I have emphasised in Parliament.”