Young Scots to benefit from £2 million in Young Start funding

Twenty six- Scottish groups are today (WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE) celebrating a total cash boost of £2,049,812 from the Young Start fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund.

See full list of awards attached.

The projects, which are based all over the country, will see thousands of young people engaging in various activities, which will ultimately bring a brighter, healthier, and more connected future.

The Marine Conversation Society will use their funding of £80,223 to run a programme of outdoor activities for young people in Central Scotland.

Katie Macfarlane, Youth Engagement Officer, Marine Conservation Society, said: “Spending time in nature is proven to benefit young people's development and physical and mental health. Equally, our blue planet needs young people’s passion and determination to protect it more than ever before. Funding given to the Marine Conservation Society’s youth engagement programme in Scotland will enable us to reach more young people across the Central Belt over the next three years.

“We will run youth events, coastal residentials, internships, educational workshops, and experiential outdoor fun - empowering and upskilling the next generation of ocean optimists to be a powerful force for change.

Thanks to an award of £29,150, Lochview Rural Training will deliver a range of land-based learning, training and career opportunities to young people in Sutherland who will get hands on experience in a range of skills including peatland management, dry stone walling, fencing and conservation and biodiversity.

Cara Cameron, CEO and founder of Lochview Rural Training said: ”We are deeply grateful to be awarded support from Young Start. This funding is not just vital—it’s transformative. It allows us to deliver meaningful land-based training and employability programmes tailored for young people in our rural community. In a place like Sutherland, where opportunities can be scarce and challenges are real, this kind of support helps create pathways to brighter futures. It truly makes a lasting difference.”

Based in Dundee, Giving Back will use their award of £32,870 to run a three year employability programme for young people in Broughty Ferry.

Havey Gay, 18 Peer Worker, Giving Back, said: “Giving Back employed me last year on their first pilot of the Youth Employability Programme for six months. I was given support from a Mental Health Nurse and worked in a cafe in the area. As a young person with ADHD and Autism I struggled to find work and this opportunity gave me the skills, time and financial support to build my confidence.

“I have now been employed by Giving Back to support the young people this year as a Peer Worker. This programme is amazing and really helped me to get into employment, have my voice heard, develop my confidence and encourage me to engage with the community.”

Announcing today’s funding, The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to continue funding such a broad range of vital projects for young people all over Scotland.

“We are always keen to support projects that put Scotland’s young people at the heart of the development and running of services. If your group has an idea how you would make this happen, then we’d love to hear from you.”

Find out more at: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/young-start