A PROJECT aimed at giving city teenagers life-changing opportunities kicked off this week.

The Trades House of Glasgow’s Big Project, aimed at helping young people reach their full potential, started with a residential outdoor activity trip for more than 160 secondary school pupils.

A second phase will include fundraising for a bespoke £1m activity centre.

Around 160 young people, from schools in Drumchapel, Lochend, Castlemilk and Govan, spent three days taking part in a range of activities, from abseiling and laser tag to kayaking and shelter-building, at Auchengillan Outdoor Centre near Drymen and at Dumfries House.

The 13 and 14-year-olds were selected by their schools as part of the first phase of the project, and it is hoped more young people will benefit in June next year.

The Trades House has provided £60,000 over the two years to fund the trips.

Duncan Tannahill, chairperson of the Trades House Charities Committee, said: “We are delighted that so many pupils will experience and hopefully benefit from these residential trips.

“Some children are not able to take part in these kinds of opportunities, due perhaps to financial constraints or a lack of confidence.”

He added: “The purpose of the Big Project is to ensure that those who will benefit most will be able to go and enjoy being part of a challenging but fun environment.”

Tom McInally, Deacon Convener of Trades House, is a former pupil of Govan High, one of the schools taking part.

Read more: Pupils spreading joy and happiness in Govan

He said: “I grew up in Govan and was fortunate to enjoy and take part in various groups and sports which helped give me self-confidence and team skills.

“I believe those experiences really helped shaped my future.”

He added: “They were incredibly important to me and I hope that the Big Project helps spark the same flame in some of these young people.”

The Trades House of Glasgow hopes to launch the second phase, incorporating fundraising for the activity centre in the near future.

The aim is to create a centre which can provide recreation space away from inner-city living.

It will include access to sports, under-canvas camping and life skills development, all in a fun environment and with the extra benefit of boosting potential career skills.

Read more: Charity and education at heart of Trades House

Established in 1605, The Trades House is now a registered charity managing trust and legacy funds in excess of £20 million.

It gives out more than £750,000 each year to community projects, bursaries, student awards and groups giving assistance to vulnerable people in the city of Glasgow. The charity, based in the Merchant City, also promotes a number of educational projects in crafts, citizenship and apprenticeships, culminating in a number of awards ceremonies each year at Trades Hall.