Nicola Sturgeon confirms CJS is a success story in getting young people into work

Nicola Sturgeon has hailed Community Jobs Scotland a "success story" on a visit to a regeneration project in Castlemilk.

The first minister toured Castlemilk Stables run by Cassiltoun Trust - an award winning regeneration project - after announcing a £6.1 million investment in the scheme to create at least 1,000 new jobs for young people.

Sturgeon said: “We have seen many success stories from this programme.

“This year, following recommendations on how to best develop our young workforce, we will offer additional support to those who need it most, such as care leavers.

"And, importantly, to ensure young people get a fair start in employment, all of those taking part in the programme will have the opportunity to benefit from the living wage.”

Cassiltoun Trust is has been in operation for 14 years, completing a £4.5m renovation of Castlemilk Stables.

The project has gone on to act as a catalyst for economic and environmental regeneration bringing new services, training, employment and recreational opportunities for the local community.

The importance of education was also emphasised by the first minister as a way of tackling inequality.

"The removal of obstructions to education, and the opening up of new opportunities, has been the focus of many of the major initiatives of my first 100 days," she said.

"From supporting mothers in the early stages of pregnancy, to helping people gain their first experience of work, this government is committed to promoting opportunities and reducing inequalities.

"Because education is not just part of our sense of ourselves, it's the key to a better future for young people growing up in Scotland today.

"It is at the heart of the fairer, more prosperous Scotland, that all of us seek to build."