Young people across the Highlands and beyond are set to benefit from a £26 million boost designed to steer them away from crime and towards brighter futures.
The Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme, which takes money seized from criminal activity and reinvests it into youth initiatives, will fund vital projects across the country over the next three years.
From 2026 to 2029, the programme will support organisations working with young people aged 10 to 25 who are at risk of becoming involved in antisocial or criminal behaviour.
These projects offer more than just activities.
They create safe spaces, build confidence, and connect young people with trusted adults who can guide them during some of the most difficult years of their lives.
Since its launch in 2008, CashBack for Communities has invested £156 million and supported around 1.4 million young people in every part of Scotland.
In the Highlands, where distances are long and services can be few and far between, this funding often makes the difference between isolation and opportunity.
Whether it’s an outdoor adventure group in Skye or a creative arts workshop in Caithness, CashBack funds projects that understand their communities and know how to reach the young people who need help most.
Visiting one of the programme’s initiatives in Glasgow, Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown praised the impact of the scheme.
“CashBack for Communities is inspiring,” she said.
“It turns the proceeds of crime into life-changing opportunities for the thousands of young people who take part in projects across Scotland every year.”
She added that the new round of funding would help children and young people build skills, grow in confidence and feel part of something positive.
“Over the next three years, £26 million will go to organisations doing vital work,” she said.
“That support changes lives, and helps young people realise their potential.”
The programme also reflects the hard work of police and prosecutors across Scotland, who have seized the assets of organised crime groups and made it possible to fund these life-affirming projects.
It’s a rare and powerful example of justice working in two directions taking from harm and giving to hope.
For young people in the Highlands, that means more chances to take part, be seen and be supported.
And for communities across Scotland, it means another step towards safer streets and stronger futures.
