A GLASGOW businessman who set up a mentoring project which has helped more than 200 disadvantaged young people has been given an award by the Prime Minister.

Iain MacRitchie is the man behind MCR Pathways, a project which matches young people with mentors to improve their life chances.

The scheme, which is backed by The Herald & Times Group, has now been recognised by David Cameron, with Mr MacRitchie being awarded through the Prime Minister's Points of Light programme which celebrates individual volunteers and their contribution to the community.

Mr Cameron said: "Iain has shown a fantastic dedication to making sure that all young people have the same opportunities, no matter what start they have had in life.

"By inspiring hundreds of people to give their time to mentor young people across Glasgow, Iain has made a real difference to hundreds of lives.

"I am delighted to recognise Iain’s service by making him the UK’s 438th Point of Light."

Mr MacRitchie, 52, has a long career as a businessman and entrepreneur, advising over 100 businesses, and acting as chairman of 15 companies.

He set up a charitable branch of of his company, MCR Holdings, in 2008 and the MCR Pathways project was one of its flagship schemes.

The project aims to partner up a volunteer mentor with a student aged between 12-18, particularly those from a ‘care experienced’ background.

This provides the student with a listening ear and a positive role model to help them find opportunities and grow their talent through education and work taster programmes.

Mr MacRitchie now spends the majority of his time on the project, travelling across the country to work on expanding it.

He said: "It is fantastic for the volunteering commitment and passion of Glasgow to be recognised in this collective award.

"It is a privilege to be working with so many like-minded and positively determined people in the education authority, schools, organisations and businesses, all driven to personally make a difference for the young people of the city.

"The momentum being created will ensure that every disadvantaged young person in Glasgow has the opportunity and support to find, grow and use their talents."

The project is delivering real results for school children in Glasgow, with the pilot scheme in the city's St Andrew's School resulting in a return to school rate increase from four per cent to 67 per cent in 2014.

The pilot also saw a rise from 19 per cent to 63 per cent in the number of St Andrew’s 'care experienced' young people going into further and higher education.

Lord Dunlop, Minister for Scotland, said: "This award recognises Iain’s tireless efforts over the past decade to unlock the talents and potential of young people living in difficult circumstances.

"Iain’s work represents Scottish entrepreneurialism at its very best, giving back to the local community and helping others to become mentors. The example he sets is a truly inspiring one."

The Points of Light awards are given out every week day by the Prime Minister in a bid to highlight the work of volunteers throughout the country.

*The Herald is supporting the MCR Pathways Project campaign to recruit more new mentors for disadvantaged young people in and around

Glasgow.

If you are a motivated, committed adult you could offer the support these young people need to overcome the barriers that mean so few currently make it to higher and further education.

An hour a week, plus travelling time, and a willingness to be a listening ear and put a young person first are the only skills you will need to help turn around someone’s life. All necessary training and support will be given.

To get involved, visit mcrpathways.org/#herald or contact Donna Cunningham on donna.cunningham@glasgow.gov.uk.