McGrigor on Ocean Youth Trust

McGrigor calls for more youngsters to be given chance to experience sailing

Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, has called for more schools and youth groups in the Highlands & Islands to consider forming relationships with the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland that allows young people to gain direct experience of sailing in the waters around Scotland.

Jamie McGrigor spoke out after meeting recently with a representative of the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland in the Scottish Parliament. Each year the Trust takes around 1000 young people aged between 12 and 24 to sea on youth development residential courses which last over 5 days. The Trust is currently looking for more schools and youth groups to join its programme, as well as volunteers to help on board. It operates 3 sailing ships and offers an award winning training programme to volunteers and staff.

Commenting today Jamie McGrigor, who is a member of the Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating & Marine Tourism, said:

“ Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is a fantastic charity that already does great work across Scotland, including in my region of the Highlands & Islands where it has formed effective relationships with, for example, Kinlochleven and Mallaig High Schools which mean many of our young people have the opportunity to take part in a highly rewarding course at sea.

“ The skills that young people can gain from their experience on the ships are varied and very valuable and include building self confidence and effective teamwork as well as the range of sailing and navigation skills.

“ The Trust is keen to see more young people come forward, apply for and take part in their ‘Adventure under Sail’ courses and I share their very positive aim. They also emphasise that their courses are open to all young people regardless of ability or circumstances. And they have an Assisted Berths Scheme to which individuals from less well off backgrounds can apply for support towards their berth fees.

“ I hope that many schools, groups and individuals will look at the Trust’s website and decide to become involved.”