The Scottish government has announced funding to help develop Scotland's future workforce by investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives.

National STEM programmes Generation Science and the Young Engineers and Science Clubs will benefit from a total amount of £100,000. More than 100,000 pupils across Scotland have benefitted from both initiatives.

Further funding will be given to supporting science festivals – including those taking place in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.

The funding supports the Scottish Government's STEM Education and Training Strategy and the commitment to equip communities and young people – particularly those from remote and deprived areas – with STEM skills to tackle current and real life challenges, including climate change and health related issues.

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Minister for Further Education, Higher Education, Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: "We are working hard to ensure we maximise the number of people highly educated and skilled in STEM to adapt to the challenges of today and in the future.

"These initiatives can help inspire a generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians and innovators, and develop the talent which will required in our future workforce.

"We saw the critical role that STEM knowledge played in tackling the Covid pandemic through the rollout of vaccines, which have saved countless numbers of lives. We will build on that work to ensure Scotland has the tools required to guide the country to a net zero future.

"The continuation of this funding is a big step to helping make our vision for a greener and fairer Scotland a reality."