Louise Macdonald: Unemployment is still rising for young Scots

Good news, right? Well, not entirely. Although the number of people claiming unemployment benefit has gone down overall, the number of 18-24-year-olds out of work so is still rising, now totalling over 6,700.

Youth unemployment remains a serious problem. Talk of a lost generation of young people is getting louder and the established correlation between unemployment, poverty and health inequalities makes the situation more worrying still.

The only way we can hope to tackle it successfully is if the public, private sector and third sectors work together.

But it's not all doom and gloom. One thing is abundantly clear – the young people of Scotland are passionate and enthusiastic about working and positively contributing to their local communities. You only have to take a look at "Young Scot Changing Perceptions" on YouTube to gain some insight into their drive and ambition. More than 75 per cent have told us they'd be more than prepared to work two jobs at once if they had the chance.

At a recent ceremony we handed out awards to young people across 14 categories, including health, community, volunteering, sport, the arts and heritage. But it's the winner of our enterprise category that should serve as an example to people of all ages.

Following research of the local market, Craig Rutherford, 20, recognised the need for a plant operating business on the Ross of Mull.

He began trading in 2009 and quickly won the confidence of customers. His firm has now helped underpin the construction and farming sector in that remote area.

So it's not just about making jobs available to young people, but giving them the opportunities and the support they need to create their own jobs, turning their enthusiasm and determination into economic success.

We should be proud of our young people in Scotland. And be working together to ensure that we can help give them the best start in life.

• Louise Macdonald is Chief Executive of Young Scot