Aimed at people aged 12 to 26, the website contains information on different religions, cultures and customs in Scotland.

Young people are also given advice on how best to cope when experiencing or observing racist incidents.

Communities Minister Margaret Curran said she wanted youngsters to grow up in a tolerant country.

Mrs Curran said: "Sometimes the experiences of those from minority ethnic communities are not positive and don't reflect the international image Scotland has as a welcoming and friendly place.

We want our young people to grow up in a Scotland which is open, successful and free from prejudice and discrimination Margaret Curran Communities Minister

"It matters how we treat others and most of us don't like to hear racist jokes or comments or see people being mistreated or discriminated against.

"We want our young people to grow up in a Scotland which is open, successful and free from prejudice and discrimination."

The website has been set up by Young Scot, the national youth information agency for Scotland.

'Ignorance' problem

Chief executive Marcus Liddle said: "Providing young people with access to the information they need to make informed decisions is central to the Young Scot philosophy.

"Ignorance is often at the heart of many forms of discrimination."

Maureen Fraser, director of the Commission for Racial Equality Scotland, said many white people in Scotland did not know anyone from ethnic minority communities.