A network of arts centres for young people is to be set up across Scotland thanks to £3.1 million in funding from Creative Scotland.

The cash is being announced as part of Scotland's National Youth Arts Strategy Time To Shine.

The centres - in Aberdeen and North East, Argyll, Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow, Highlands, Moray and West Dumbartonshire -are being formed through partnerships between local and national arts and youth services providers, to increase access to youth arts across Scotland.

Acting as focal points for regional youth arts, the hubs will nurture and celebrate ambition, enthusiasm and talent in Scotland's young people by improving the regional infrastructure. Young people will be central to the decision making process and development of the Youth Arts Hubs, according to Creative Scotland.

Leonie Bell, Director of Arts & Engagement at the body, said: "Through making connections and developing new projects these hubs will enable more children and young people to take part in creative activities close to where they live.

"These hubs will not only create opportunities for young people to shine and express themselves creatively; but also by placing them at the heart of the creation and delivery of the new work, the young people will develop skills and expertise which will be invaluable to their futures."

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, said: "The Youth Arts Hubs will build on the well-established links between culture, education, youth employment and personal development, and will help us to deliver a step change in our youth arts provision in Scotland."