Nineteen sports projects in Scotland are to be funded from the proceeds of crime in the Scottish Government's "CashBack for Communities" scheme.

"Proceeds of crime money will be ploughed back into our communities to provide better football facilities for many youngsters," said Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill.

"The current wintry weather we are experiencing shows the importance of having access to synthetic pitches making it possible for them to play football even when the big clubs are snowed off.

"The vast majority of our young people are a credit to their communities. But we want to do more to prevent young people getting into trouble in the first place. We are determined to show them that there is much more to life than getting into trouble and getting out of their heads on drink or drugs.

"Already through the many varied strands of our CashBack for Communities scheme we are giving thousands of our young people the opportunity to reach their potential and have real hope for their future."