SWAMP a key route out the recession bog

Fiona Hyslop last month visited South West Arts and Music (SWAMP) project and claimed that it’s Ready for Work Scheme was vital to lead Scotland’s next generation out of recession.
The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning was put through her paces by young people who interviewed her at the centre.
SWAMP, in Pollok, runs a Ready to Work scheme which can give young people specialist skills in digital technology, music and the arts.
After taking a range of questions in the radio studio about why politics should be of interest to youngsters, Fiona Hyslop talked to the LOCAL NEWS.  She remains upbeat in spite of the economic situation.
She said: ‘We want to make sure that young people have skills and abilities to go forward and get jobs. We are preparing Scotland for the recovery from the recession so that everybody can take part in that.
‘Projects like SWAMP recognise the talents that young people have so that they can have the belief that they can get on and get jobs.
‘Getting Ready for Work is a very good example of that. SWAMP has a good track record and learning through creativity – like arts and music - is great.
‘I would recommend that youngsters who get a chance to do this, just grab it with both hands.
‘We have to make sure that we are using any public resources wisely. We know that the current £500m cuts from Westminster will make things tight going forward.’
On a national level she refuses to accept that arts will suffer with budget cutbacks, instead recognises the creative industry as part of the recovery.
She said: ‘Arts and Culture are very much related to the government’s economic strategy. It is far more than just art, music, history and culture, it’s a key economic driver going forward.’