A GLASGOW university’s scheme will benefit from a £7 million fund to support community projects, which was welcomed by the First Minister.

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) will invest £1m a year for the next seven years into projects ahead of its 300th anniversary in 2027.

RBS said the 300 Fund will focus on areas “key to the Scottish economy including climate change, enterprise and financial capability”.

Glasgow University’s John Smith Centre for Public Service will receive cash.

It will offer 300 young people, aged 17-27, a place on a 12-month programme which will include a 70-hour paid internship with a politician, business or non-governmental organisation.

Welcoming the fund, Nicola Sturgeon said: “The passion and enthusiasm that we have seen in recent years from the younger generation for politics and vital issues like climate change – subjects previously deemed to be too complex or uninteresting for them to engage with – has been hugely inspiring.

“I am proud that our young people have a desire to make the world we live in a better place and are willing to take action, whether that is engaging politically or with specific campaigns close to their hearts.

“This programme is an exciting new way for young people to engage with the world they live in.”

Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale is director of the John Smith Centre, which is named after the former MP and leader of the Labour Party.

She said the programme will “build on John Smith’s legacy” by placing “politics and public service at its heart, encouraging people to promote civilised debate and pursue positive change in their communities”.