Skills Minister Keith Brown has announced a proposal aimed at reducing offence levels amongst the young, which involves greater engagement in education.

"We know that many people going through our courts and in to our prisons have disengaged from society and that this tends to start with disengagement from learning. We must work together to stop young people disengaging from learning and engaging in offender behaviour. We must also work with those already in the justice system to encourage and support them to develop their learning and skills," he said.

The Government said the plan aims to "see efforts coordinated more effectively to support offenders, with key employment, skills and justice services working more closely together."
 
"The comprehensive package of measures outlined today reflects the Government's commitment - and that of key agencies - to do more to encourage people to turn their lives around, building on the substantial range of services already available," Mr Brown added.