Glasgow Council launched the first restorative justice scheme in Scotland aimed at tackling youth crime, backed by Scottish Executive funding of nearly £1 million over two years.

The initiative will ensure that 500 young people aged under 16 who commit offences will be given the opportunity to face up to their actions, and may be required to meet their victims. A team of 10 specialist staff at the local authority will work with the city’s children’s panel, fire service, health board and police to implement the scheme.

The idea of establishing this approach in Glasgow was first put forward by the council’s community safety partnership and was developed over two years.

Glasgow council head of restorative justice service Alan Speirs said: “At present very little or nothing is done to confront under 16s involved in disorder and petty crime and most people find this unacceptable. Restorative justice will change all that.”