LEADING anti-sectarianism charity Nil by Mouth – founded by former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Cara Henderson – has been given a huge funding boost for its groundbreaking schools programme.

The Crerar Hotels Trust donated £4000 to the organisation’s Champions for Change project, which helps thousands of pupils from across Scotland participate in workshops, sporting competitions and cultural activities together.

A key part of the initiative brings young people from denominational and non-denominational schools together to explore stereotypes, sectarianism, identity and misconceptions about religions and beliefs.

The Trust presented a cheque to pupils from Cairns and St Cadoc’s Primary Schools in Cambuslang who have been working with Nil by Mouth on a number of projects aimed at celebrating community and helping children better understand difference.

In recent months the schools have teamed up to form a Champions for Change choir to perform across Lanarkshire.

The Trust is funded by the Crerar Hotel Group which donates each year almost half of its profits to charities and community projects.

Nil by Mouth was set up by 2014 Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Cara Henderson following the brutal sectarian murder of her school friend Mark Scott in 1995.

Since then it has campaigned against sectarianism in schools, colleges, workplaces and communities across Scotland.

During 2017 more than 5000 pupils are expected to take part in its school programme thanks to support from the Crerar Hotels Trust.

Nil by Mouth Engagement Officer Emma Alexander said: ‘We are thrilled with this fantastic donation - support like this allows us to deliver the programme free of charge and ensure that pupils can enjoy learning together and take part in activities which celebrate difference.

“We have had incredible success with this model over recent years. The enthusiasm shown by the pupils, staff and parents for these ‘inter-school’ partnerships gives us real grounds for optimism in the future.

“Scotland is bigger, brighter and bolder than bigotry and we truly believe that this is the generation which will banish it once and for all.”

Paddy Crerar, Chairman, of The Crerar Hotels Trust and Chief Executive of Crerar Hotels said: “We are delighted to have made this award to Nil by Mouth and look forward to hearing how this funding helps impact their work.

“Crerar Hotels is committed to giving back to the local community to help it grow and thrive, and provide opportunities that may otherwise seem out of reach.”

The next recipient of the Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year award will be unveiled at a gala dinner in the City Chambers tomorrow night (Thursday). Read more in tomorrow’s Evening Times and online, and in a special eight-page supplement and picture special on Friday.