TWO Scottish businesswomen have launched a drive to help young girls in Scotland achieve their career dreams.

Entrepreneurs Anne Marie McElroy and Sarah Scott – who are both giants in the hair and make-up industry – have set up Girl Gang Scotland to help empower and mentor more teenagers to believe in their ambitions.

And they have enlisted a whole raft of leading female pathfinders who will take their own messages of inspiration and awareness directly into classrooms and colleges all over the country.

The movement was set in motion yesterday and Anne Marie, 41, and 28-year-old Sarah are convinced it can create a positive mind-change to inspire young women to unlock their individual potential when schoolwork ends and career work begins.

Anne Marie, from Wishaw, said: “Our primary aim is to create a movement with the most talented and respected creatives and professionals in Scotland, teaching young girls that they can become anything they wish to be with our support and access to inspiring women.

“Our goal is to open their eyes to a positive healthy future, encouraging and educating young girls, motivating and promoting self-development and girl power.”

Sarah, of Bellshill, added: “We want to change the way young people think about careers and their future as it can be a very daunting time. We want to focus on a positive mind-set.”Anne Marie is the director of AMM Hair and Make up Team which is a booking and training agency for high-end luxury weddings in Scotland. AMM is a multi-award-winning company and has 25 artists based in Skye, Aberdeen and Central Scotland and is currently working on branching out all over Britain and Dubai.

Sarah is a multiple award-winning hair stylist colourist, salon owner and independent educator. With over ten years’ experience in the hair industry, she is one of the most sought-after hairdressers in Scotland, with clients travelling from all over the UK to her salon in search of the perfect hair.

Girl Gang Scotland has already received huge support and encouragement from several leading Scottish businesswomen from a number of fields, who are keen to get on board.

Anne Marie said: “We have YouTubers, Instagram influencers, bloggers, dancers, musicians, dentists, doctors, hairstylists, make-up artists, fitness gurus, spiritual teaching, models, marketing, PR brand specialists, entrepreneurial woman, athletes and many others.

“In fact, we have been overwhelmed by the level of support we have had from women all over Scotland who believe in Girl Gang Scotland and what we are trying to do to help young women.

“We are creating a community and will hold events giving young girls the opportunities to listen and learn from successful, Scottish women so they can hopefully realise that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and have the drive to follow your aspirations in your career.”