Crime 'cashback' helps youth groups

More than £1 million of criminals' funds are to be given to Scottish youth projects.

Justice Secretary Kenny Mac-Askill said another 1.5m would be ploughed into the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities programme. The scheme uses money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act to fund projects for young people. Some 24m has been given out since the programme started.

Among the awards, 500,000 will be given to Youth Scotland to distribute to groups and uniformed organisations such the Boys Brigade and Girl Guides.

A total of 350,000 is to go to a pilot project run by Tayside Police which helps children under the age of three from deprived or vulnerable families enjoy healthy play activities.