Millions of pounds seized from criminals goes to youth projects

Almost £110 million of cash seized from criminals has been invested in a project to help prevent young people being drawn into a life or crime.

Ministers announced the latest funding for the CashBack for Communities scheme, which will see a further £18 million for the initiative over the next three years.

Groups such as Impact Arts, the National Autistic Society and the Celtic FC Foundation have benefited - with over two million activities provided over the last 11 years.

Announcing the funding, community safety minister Ash Denham said: "We want every young person growing up in Scotland to have an equal chance of success no matter their circumstances.

"Since Cashback for Communities began in 2008 we have delivered nearly two and a half million activities and opportunities for young people across all local authorities in Scotland.

"The next stage of CashBack will have particular focus on projects that support young people and communities most affected by crime. I'm pleased to say that we have increased funding for this latest phase by £1 million - taking the total amount available over three years to £18 million."

She continued: "The numbers of children referred to the Children's Reporter on offence grounds or prosecuted in the courts have fallen substantially over the last decade and our Cashback programme supports that progress by giving many of Scotland's most disadvantaged young people a wide range of positive opportunities to challenge themselves and inspire those around them."