Hundreds of local school pupils are to take part in a fun-filled and informative workshop designed to encourage them to consider a career in Scottish manufacturing.

'Make it in Scotland' is a nationwide programme devised and funded by the Scottish Executive in partnership with the manufacturing industry and organised by Careers Scotland.  It aims to dispel some of the negative images which surround manufacturing and show pupils the diversity of career options available locally and across the country.

Around 150 second-year pupils from Thurso High School and Farr High School will attend a workshop in Thurso's Weigh Inn on Tuesday (18 March).

On Wednesday (19 March), it's the turn of Wick High School's second year, when a similar number visit the event in the Norseman Hotel.

The Kinlochbervie Hotel is the venue for Thursday (20 March), when 35 local second and third-year pupils are expected to join in.

Carefully designed to appeal to 12-14 year-olds, each day's programme features a range of exciting hands-on activities to give pupils a flavour of the range of 21st century manufacturing in Scotland.

The Thurso and Wick events will feature hands-on presentations from local businesses, including Halliburton Subsea from Wick, JGC Welding from Halkirk, and AWG Morrison Construction.

Lairg ceramics business Artfire will be part of the workshop in Wick and Kinlochbervie, which will also welcome Halliburton and JGC Welding.

Glasgow magician Steve Lindsay will be on hand at all three events, adding to the fun of the occasion.

Ian Carse, head of services for Careers Scotland in the Highlands and Islands, said Make it in Scotland aimed to give pupils an insight into the range of businesses which make up the modern manufacturing sector - going far 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 right 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.

"The events we've held so far, in Skye, Argyll and Nairn, have been very successful and we're hoping all the pupils attending the roadshows in Thurso, Wick and Kinlochbervie will be equally inspired by what they see and hear."

Future Make it in Scotland events are scheduled for 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