Trust awards for youngsters' green graft

Young people who have devoted their time to conservation work with the National Trust for Scotland have been commended at an award ceremony in Edinburgh today.

Young people who have devoted their time to conservation work with the National Trust for Scotland have been commended at an award ceremony in Edinburgh today.

Over the last three years, almost 120 young people from across Scotland joined in a special joint project with BAA Scotland to give young people the chance to get involved with hands on conservation work.

Pupils from Bankhead Academy in Aberdeen, Drumchapel High in Glasgow and Cramond Primary and Queensferry High in Edinburgh volunteered at conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland's properties from Drum Castle in the North East to Arran's Brodick Castle.

Young people from Aberdeen attended an award ceremony with the charity's Chief Executive, Kate Mavor on Thursday 28 May.

Ms Mavor said:

"As a conservation charity, we are committed to protecting and preserving Scotland's heritage for future generations. That's why we want to engage and inspire Scotland's schoolchildren. Young people are so enthusiastic about the environment and how they can make a difference. These young people are powerful advocates for conservation and are already out there spreading the word.

"By working with these young people now, we are sowing the seeds of a lifelong relationship with the National Trust for Scotland, our conservation work and the nation's heritage - ensuring that Scotland will be in safe hands in the future."

Helen Murley, Chairman of BAA Communities Trust said:

"The BAA Communities Trust is delighted to support the National Trust for Scotland's young person's project. This inspirational project is a fantastic initiative, which promotes valuable life skills such as relationship building and teamwork, and also builds confidence, all of which will benefit these young people in their personal and working lives.

"BAA is committed to strengthening its ties and building links through community support for local groups, working in the fields of sport, environment and economic regeneration. That is why, in 2009, we have committed to grants totalling close to £100,000. "