PEOPLE who live in one of Glasgow’s most deprived areas are being offered up to £1000 to learn a new skill.

Maryhill Housing Association has launched one of its biggest ever community initiatives to help tenants achieve, “educational or career goals.”

The bursary scheme is being launched to mark Maryhill HA’s 40th birthday and will run annually.

Grants of up to £1000 will be available for higher and further education courses up to degree level.

Up to £750 is available for skills-specific training in areas such as construction skills, health and safety courses, food hygiene and forklift truck training.

Residents will also be entitled to apply for grants of up to £500 for the purchase of equipment, books and or materials.

The housing association said other costs would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Bryony Willett, Chief Executive Bryony Willett said: “This is an hugely-important development and shows that Maryhill Housing is keen to inspire people to attain their goals.

“That might be career progression, undertaking a new college or university course or a helping hand in a variety of ways.

“The money we have set aside could be the key to unlocking the door to a bright future.”

The grants can be applied for between now and March next year and the scheme will run each year.

The Maryhill constituency includes many communities suffering the city's highest levels of deprivation.

Maryhill and Springburn has the highest Job Seekers Allowance rate in Glasgow at 3.7%, almost 1800 actively seeking work.

Applications for the grants are available from Maryhill Housing and an application form can also be downloaded from its website www.maryhill.org.uk or by calling 0141 946 2466 or email to bursaries@maryhill.org.uk