Grants will be given to organisations working with young people.

Charities, social enterprises and community groups are being invited to apply for a share of a new fund marking Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.

The MicrO Local Area Grants programme will support projects and organisations providing informal learning opportunities for young people to explore the nature, history and culture of Scotland’s lochs, rivers, shorelines and waterways.

A total of £45,500 has been made available through the scheme, which is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by YouthLink Scotland.

Projects applying for a grant are encouraged to engage with the year-long celebration of Scottish waters by exploring a range of key areas, including local environmental issues, wildlife, landscape, food and drink and adventure activities.

Jane Dailly, YouthLink Scotland’s national grants manager, said: “We’re delighted to announce this new fund and to be supporting the involvement of local groups and young people in Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.

“It’s so important that we encourage young people’s connection to their communities and their local environment. The fund is also a way to harness and celebrate the passionate interest that young people have in environmental issues.”

Culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said the fund would play a part in ongoing efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change.

She said: “We announced £45,000 in this year’s Programme for Government for community groups, charities and social enterprises to access one-off grants to hold Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 themed events - and I am pleased the fund is now ready to receive its first applications.

“Communities will play a central role in our challenge to tackle the climate emergency and their involvement in organising events is crucial to ensure everyone can engage with - and learn from - the Year of Coasts and Waters.”

Applications for the grant should be made through YouthLink Scotland’s website by 1pm on Friday 14 February.