Under the scheme, 20 academy pupils are to receive between six and eight hours of training per week in what it is hoped will be a forerunner of similar schools across the country.

Kevin Pringle, chief executive of basketballscotland (pictured top, left), described the move as "a pilot project which we expect to provide us with the evidence which will allow us to develop partnerships to deliver schools of basketball throughout Scotland over the coming years".

The launch was conducted by Kenny MacAskill, Scottish justice minister (pictured top, right), and Kieron Achara, the 6ft 10in Great Britain basketball player who was born in Stirling.

The initiative is supported by money taken from convicted criminals via a programme called CashBack for Communities.

This Scottish Government programme takes funds recovered from the proceeds of crime and invests the money in free activities for young people across Scotland.

According to MacAskill: "Investing in our young people will always be money well spent.

"CashBack programmes improve opportunities, self-confidence and self-esteem for our young people."

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