Christina McKelvie MSP has welcomed the award of over £10,000 for projects for young people in the Hamilton and Blantyre areas.

The money comes from the Scottish Government’s Cashback for Communities Scheme, which redistributes assets seized from organised crime to youth projects across Scotland.

Among the beneficiaries of the latest round of funding are Blantyre Youth Development Team, Hamilton Information Project for Youth and Hamilton-based Hyzone.

Welcoming the news, Central Scotland MSP Christina said:

“Congratulations to the organisations who made successful bids for Cashback for Communities funding.

“The scheme ensures that something good can come out of the damage that is done to communities by the activities of serious criminals, by giving cash seized from those same criminals back to community-based clubs and organisations for young people.

“The Hamilton and Blantyre projects which will benefit this time round will give our young people the chance to get involved in activities they might not otherwise have had the chance to try or to access crucial information and training to help them in life.

“Whether it’s Hyzone’s movie discussion nights, Hamilton Youth Project’s informal personal development sessions or Blantyre Youth Development Team’s outdoor activities, these imaginative projects offer genuine alternatives to young people who might otherwise have been at risk of becoming involved in crime themselves.

“That benefits the whole community, as well as the young folk themselves.”

Using funds recovered from the proceeds of crime, the Scottish Government has committed to investing over £13 million in a range of CashBack projects for young people.