Kenny MacAskill praises military training scheme which puts young offenders through their paces

A scheme that puts young people through military training has been praised by the Justice Secretary.

Kenny MacAskill said the Army-led Advantage Outreach was helping steer young people away from trouble as he visited its centre in Edinburgh today.

The scheme aimed at youngsters between 17 and 18 who have committed minor offences or are on the verge of committing crimes.

During the five-day course, the youngsters take part in various activities including venture training, sport, first aid, hillwalking and orienteering.

Discussions on issues such as alcohol awareness, drug abuse and anti-social behaviour will also take place.

Commenting on his visit to the Scottish Government-backed scheme, Mr MacAskill said: “I think this is giving a lot of opportunities to youngsters, some of them have been a bit hard to handle and perhaps not achieving their full potential.”

“This is about giving them some belief in themselves and giving them some understanding that they can achieve more.

“It’s showing them that they actually have a lot of potential.”

He added: “Many of these are bright, good kids, given the chance. We all know in Scotland that the devil finds mischief for idle hands.

“This is about giving these idle hands an opportunity to see a different way of life and it’s done in the structures of the Army, it’s supported by the Army and we are very grateful for what the Army is doing here because they are making better citizens for all of us.”

Superintendent Kevin Murray, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Whilst this is a fun, exciting opportunity, the course will be facilitated in a disciplined, military environment and the boys will be expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects both the army and police values and standards.”