Criminals' cash funds basketball

Nearly £1.8m will be used to provide basketball games and training

Young people in five cities across Scotland will receive extra basketball coaching, paid for using money seized from criminals.

Almost £1.8m will be invested in the sport in Dundee, Stirling, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Inverness.

Sessions will be held on Friday and Saturday nights - with the aim of getting participants fit and keeping them off the streets.

The money will also be used to improve basketball provision in schools.

About 12,000 youngsters are expected to be involved.

The funding was announced at the Lynch Sports Centre in Dundee.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "The devil finds work for idle hands and that is why this government is committed to giving our young people positive things to do with their lives. We want to show them that there is more to life than drink, drugs and offending.

"Basketball as a street game can help stop kids from getting into trouble or up to mischief. It's a game they watch on TV and see in other media outlets. Now they are getting a chance to play it."

Sport has the ability to dismantle cultural and territorial barriers Ian Reid Scottish Sports Futures

Rob Yanders, captain of the Scottish Rocks pro basketball team, gave his backing to the project.

"In my early years I made some bad decisions which almost cost me my life," he said.

"I worked my way through some difficult times. Because of this I have a good understanding of the challenges which face young people on the streets in Scotland.

"All of us at the Rocks are looking forward to being involved in this expansion programme."

Ian Reid, CEO of the charity Scottish Sports Futures, added: "Sport has the ability to dismantle cultural and territorial barriers, to change attitudes and to inspire our young people.

"Add to this potent mix a twist of education, which will enable young people to make positive lifestyle choices, and we might just have a recipe for success."