Youth arts to be developed through regional arts hubs.

A network of regional youth arts hubs are to be created across the country.

Creative Scotland has announced £3.1 million funding to help boost arts provision as part of its national youth arts strategy.

These hubs will enable more children and young people to take part in creative activities close to where they live

The hubs – in Aberdeen and North East, Argyll, Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow, Highlands, Moray and West Dunbartonshire – are being formed through partnerships between local and national arts and youth services providers.

Acting as focal points, the hubs aim to improving regional support for youth arts with young people central to the decision making process and their hubs' development.

Leonie Bell, director of arts and engagement at Creative Scotland, said: “Through making connections and developing new projects these hubs will enable more children and young people to take part in creative activities close to where they live.

“These Hubs will not only create opportunities for young people to shine and express themselves creatively; but also by placing them at the heart of the creation and delivery of the new work, the young people will develop skills and expertise which will be invaluable to their futures.”