The life-changing impact of a scheme that distributes money recovered from criminals has been marked at an event at the Scottish Parliament.

Money seized through the Proceeds of Crime Act in Scotland is reinvested in the CashBack for Communities programme, which funds activities and events for young people.

A postcard campaign launched at Holyrood by YouthLink Scotland invited people from various youth projects to spell out what the money has done for them.

One girl from the Route 81 youth project in Garelochhead, Argyll and Bute, said the initiative has "helped shape me into who I am today and is a place I feel safe and always welcome".

Another youngster, from the Zap Youth Project in West Lothian, said he has been learning skills for the future at the group.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, who attended the event, said: "Through CashBack we are supporting Scotland's most disadvantaged young people to reach their full potential in life, helping them to learn new skills, boost their confidence and become responsible people.

"Through the CashBack programme we have committed £92 million to support nearly two million opportunities and it is great to hear about the impact that money is having on young people's lives."

YouthLink Scotland chief executive Jim Sweeney said the money is "nothing short of a lifeline for some of our hardest to reach young people".