Proceeds of crime cash available for youth grants in Shetland

Youth projects in Shetland are to benefit from a £15,800 grant from the Scottish government as part of a £2.5 million scheme created from the proceeds of crime.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill announced the pot of cash, the first portion of £6.5 million recovered from a Russian money launderer who had dealings in Scotland, today. Mr MacAskill has urged eligible groups in local communities across Scotland to submit their applications for funding.

The CashBack for Communities scheme has been praised by chief executive of national youth work agency YouthLink Scotland, Jim Sweeney, who said the organisation was “delighted that the Scottish Government has agreed to enrich and increase the availability of youth work activities”.

He added: “It will enable hundreds of groups and tens of thousands of young people across the country to benefit through more and better provision.”