Second-year pupils from Portree High School and Plockton High School are to be given an insight into the world of 21st century manufacturing at the first of a series of roadshow events being run across the Highlands and Islands by Careers Scotland.

Portree Community Centre is the venue for the Skye and Lochalsh 'Make it in Scotland' workshop - billed as an action-packed, hands-on activity event to show pupils the diversity of manufacturing which exists in the Highlands and Islands.

The Skye event, on Thursday, 20 February, is part of a nationwide programme devised and funded by the Scottish Executive.

As well as meeting local businesses - including the Isle of Skye Soap Company, Portree; Isle of Skye Seafood, Broadford, and Uig-based furniture firm Touchwood - the pupils will be treated to a performance by theatre company Cragrats and presentations demonstrating the range of manufacturing in Scotland.

Ian Carse, head of services for Careers Scotland in the Highlands and Islands, said the aim is to offer pupils an insight into the range of businesses which make up the modern manufacturing sector - and to get beyond the old 'oily rag' stereotype.

"For some years now, manufacturing has had a bit of an image problem with young people, many of whom prefer to set their sights on something they see as more glamorous," said Ian.

"The reality, however, is that the sector now covers a very wide and exciting range of jobs, from computer hardware and software to food and drink, medical diagnostics, renewable energy and other advanced technologies.

"Once pupils discover that opportunities in these kinds of cutting edge industries are available here in the Highlands and Islands, they begin to see manufacturing in a whole new light.

"It's vital for Scotland's economic future that many of our best and brightest young people can be attracted to these jobs and see the huge potential there is to develop a rich and rewarding career in manufacturing.

"We're looking forward to a successful event in Portree which will help to kick off this series of roadshows across the Highlands and Islands."

Future 'Make it in Scotland' events are in Lochgilphead (26 February); Oban (27 February); Nairn (3-7 March); Thurso (18 March); Wick (19 March); Kinlochbervie (20 March);  Kirkwall (25 March), and Lerwick (26 March).  Dates in Lochaber and the Western Isles will be confirmed shortly.

Further information is available online at www.makeitinscotland.co.uk