Skills and training organisations throughout the Highlands and Islands are set to benefit from a multi-million pound boost to the region's economy.

Thirteen projects, worth £10.1 million in total, across Orkney, the Western Isles, Argyll and Bute and the Highlands will offer a range of courses aimed at providing the skilled workforce needed to protect and strengthen economic recovery in the region.

Announcing the European Structural Fund (ESF) package, Skills Minister Angela Constance said: "This crucial funding boost will support those in the Highlands and Islands who are unemployed, particularly young people, low paid or disadvantaged to improve existing skills and develop new ones to help them into sustainable, rewarding jobs.

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"Lifelong learning and skills development play a crucial role in reducing unemployment, strengthening workforces and improving productivity and economic growth. Scotland has a higher employment rate and lower inactivity rate than the UK as a whole, a testament to the Scottish Government's strong stance supporting jobs, skills and training. But we cannot rest and that is why, despite a Westminster cut of £1.3 billion, we will support a record 25,000 modern apprenticeships in the coming year.

"Today's announcement complements that work and demonstrates the innovative thinking and ambition of our partners in the Highlands and Islands, including the voluntary sector, unions, colleges, local authorities and skills and training bodies to develop people's skills to the benefit of Scotland's economic future."

(GK)