FOLLOWING on from International Women’s Day, Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing has launched a mentoring scheme to support a young woman in her constituency achieve her goals and reach her full potential.

Applications are now open to young, aspiring women, aged between 18 and 23 living in the Cowdenbeath constituency, which covers the whole of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area apart from Kinglassie.

The First Minister’s ‘First Mentor’ scheme, now in its second year, is supported by organisations such as the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scottish Sports Association, and the First Minister has called on more women who feel that they have something to offer to launch their own mentorship schemes.

Speaking on Friday) Ms Ewing said: “I am really looking forward to giving my time and sharing my experiences with a young woman in my Cowdenbeath constituency to help them achieve their dreams – whatever they may be.

"And I have absolutely no doubt that I will gain a lot from the experience myself".

She added: “Changing perceptions is really important – if young women don’t perceive a glass ceiling, they are more likely to set higher goals for themselves.

"We have a duty as female public figures to set a positive example and indeed inspire the next generation of female leaders.

“Nicola Sturgeon’s gender-balanced Cabinet is just one example of ways in which we can stoke the ambitions of the next generation and remind them that their gender is not a barrier.

“I hope that I can inspire whoever applies to my mentorship scheme to believe in themselves and believe that they can do whatever they set their minds to.

"Anyone who is interested should contact me through my constituency office."

For details on Annabelle Ewing's mentorship scheme, please contact her constituency office - 113 High Street , Cowdenbeath , Fife , KY4 9QA. Phone - 01383 611067