Second-year school pupils are to be given an insight into the world of 21st century manufacturing at the latest in a series of roadshow events being run across the Highlands and Islands by Careers Scotland.

Following a successful launch event in Skye last week [Thurs 20 Feb] 'Make it in Scotland' workshops are taking place at Lochgilphead Sports Centre on Wednesday [26 Feb] and Oban High School on Thursday [27 Feb].

The Lochgilphead event will draw in local pupils as well as those from Campbeltown Grammar School, Tarbert Academy and Islay High School.  Businesses taking part range from Vestas Celtic Wind Technologies and Campbeltown Creamery to Lochgilphead's own plastics firm Midton Acrylics and construction company M and K MacLeod.

Oban High School and Tobermory High School will take part in the Oban event, which again features Midton Acrylics and M and K MacLeod, as well as local clothing business Oban Wet Suits, Connel-based Scottish Sea Farms and printing business Print Shop.

Billed as 'action-packed, hands-on events' to show pupils the diversity of manufacturing which exists in the Highlands and Islands, the Argyll dates are part of a nationwide programme devised and funded by the Scottish Executive.

Ian Carse, head of services for Careers Scotland in the Highlands and Islands, said the aim was 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've already held a successful event in Portree and look forward to an enthusiastic response from the pupils in Lochgilphead and Oban."

Future 'Make it in Scotland' events are in 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