Philanthropists drive under way

Garreth Wood unveiled the project with school pupils

A major campaign to encourage young Scots to become the "next generation of philanthropists" has been launched.

Garreth Wood unveiled the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) after a pilot scheme in north east Scotland saw schools give £30,000 to charity.

Mr Wood - son of businessman Sir Ian Wood and a trustee of the Wood Family Trust - said there would be investment of £400,000 over three years.

YPI will see thousands of Scottish pupils assist dozens of organisations.

Our ultimate goal over the next two years is to help create a new generation of caring young citizens Garreth Wood Wood Family Trust

Schools from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Edinburgh and West Lothian will be involved initially.

Speaking at the launch at James Gillespie's High School in Edinburgh - one of 50 schools taking part - Mr Wood said: "YPI is a unique and innovative way to expand the minds of young people as well as support local charities.

"Philanthropy isn't just about giving money; it's about intelligent and strategic giving, being advocates, realising people's passions and broadening their understanding of social community issues.

"At the trust, our ultimate goal over the next two years is to help create a new generation of caring young citizens."

The project is being delivered by the Institute for Philanthropy.

Alex Reynolds, the director of YPI at the institute, said: "YPI is an incredible opportunity for pupils in Scotland to become active citizens for the causes that they care about, and to forge lifelong links with their communities."