Highland 2007 will be celebrating culture in villages, towns and cities

Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson has announced �125,000 for Highland Council to implement The Highland Promise.

The project aims to reflect the Highland 2007 year of culture's commitment to young people.

The money is on top of �540,000 already earmarked by Highland Council and other public sector partners.

In the Scottish Parliament in January, the minister outlined plans to invest an extra �20m per year from April 2007 to nurture and promote the best creative and cultural talent.

What better way to celebrate the future than through our young people? Alison Magee Highland 2007 chairwoman

Ms Ferguson proposed a fresh policy of "cultural rights" for every citizen to access high quality provision and promised to take forward plans on cultural entitlements.

Speaking ahead of a visit to Ullapool, she said: "The Highland Promise embodies the aims that I outlined in January, to promote and encourage greater participation in Scotland's cultural life.

"Highland Council will deliver an exciting and diverse programme of activities, offering unique opportunities for young people to become engaged in the distinctive culture of the Highlands."

Alison Magee, chairwoman of Highland 2007 and convenor of Highland Council, said: "This additional funding is a fantastic boost for The Highland Promise.

"Highland 2007 aims to celebrate Highland culture past, present and future and what better way to celebrate the future than through our young people?"

She said The Highland Promise was a reflection of Highland 2007's commitment to young people.

"It gives them choices about joining in the celebrations next year and how they feel culture should be represented," she said.