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Columba 1400 graduates
26/08/2008
Teachers and pupils who have attended leadership academies run by Columba 1400 on Skye met First Minister Alex Salmond today after the the last in a summer series of Cabinet meetings held around Scotland.
Columba 1400 is an independent organisation which aims to release the potential of young people who have came through difficult experiences.
Accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney, the FM was given a tour of the premises by founder and Chairman of the Columba 1400 Norman Drummond.
The FM said:
"If we are to reach our goal of creating a smarter, more successful Scotland we must utilise and develop the talents of all our people.
"The Scottish Government shares Columba 1400's aim of releasing the talents of all young people including those who have weathered tough times.
"It is important that all young people are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential. This is why the Scottish Government recognises the value of early intervention and of central and local government working together to prevent early disadvantage hindering children throughout their lives.
"Through investing in our young people and giving them the skills and confidence to fulfil their ambitions we will help to create a better quality of life for everyone in Scotland."
Earlier, the Cabinet met at the Gaelic College, Sabhal Mor Ostaing, where a National Conversation event was held with Ministers taking questions from local people.