Training initiative to be opened to young Games volunteers

A £2.4m employability programme is to be opened up to young Commonwealth Games volunteers, First Minister Alex Salmond has said.

The Scotland's Best volunteering and training programme aims to get 1,000 jobless young Scots into work.

The initiative is part of the £5m Young Persons' Legacy Fund.

The fund was set up to give up to 2,500 young people the opportunity to gain employment and experience in big events Scotland will host in the future.

Scotland's Best allows participants to work towards a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 4 qualification to aid their entry into work.

Some 15,000 civilian volunteers, known as Clydesiders, were deployed when the Games got under way on 23 July.

Mr Salmond said: "The Clydesiders have been one of the biggest successes of the Commonwealth Games and we should take the utmost pride in the part they have played.

"They have taken to their roles with ease and have exemplified the wonderful, welcoming nature that Scotland is famed for - helping to make this the friendly games.

"The Clydesiders were made up of people from all ages and backgrounds, and we want to make sure that they can build on the great experience they've had and continue their own development.

"By opening up the Scotland's Best programme to young Clydesiders, we are offering these young people a terrific opportunity to gain vital skills, experience and qualifications that will better equip them for life in the workplace."

He added: "This is a true Games legacy."