A new scheme to encourage young people to take a positive attitude to themselves and their local community is to be piloted in Nairn, Auldearn and Cawdor.

The Highland Council and Inverness and Nairn Enterprise are investing a total of £10,200 in the scheme, which will create four part-time posts and build on the experience of a previous scheme piloted in Badenoch and Strathspey.

The project will involve a team of four youth workers operating in the three locations, who will engage with young people, highlight the issued affecting them and act as advocates for them in the wider community.

The team members will be employed by The Highland Council and each will work two 2.5-hour sessions per week on Friday or Saturday evenings.

By building long-term relationships based on trust, it is anticipated that in the longer term workers will be able to identify and respond to needs of young people and develop plans for appropriate action.

Marie MacKintosh of INE's strengthening communities team, said:  "This is a very worthwhile project which stands to benefit not only the young people in these areas but the wider community as well.  It works with young people on issues that are important to them such as things to do, places to go and opportunities for the future.  I am very pleased we are able to support it."

Dan Farrell of The Highland Council's Education Culture and Sport Service added: "This is an exciting and innovative development which we hope will enhance and strengthen other youth initiatives in the Nairn area such as Leader Plus, Youth Forum and the already established youth provision. Alongside the creation of a Skateboard Park in Nairn and the installation of Youth Shelters throughout the area, it is hoped that this will highlight the awareness of young people and that The Highland Council allied with other agencies are actively supporting young people not only in Nairn, but Highland wide."