The number of young people across Scotland enjoying the benefits offered by Young Scot National Entitlement Cards has rocketed by 787% since 2007.
An answer to a Parliamentary Question lodged by Christine Grahame MSP revealed that in 2007 there were 52,029 young people in Scotland who had a card. By 2012 that figure had increased dramatically to 461, 505.
The Young Scot National Entitlement Card is an electronic smartcard that enables young people between 11 and 26 to access local authority services and receive discounts from a range of businesses and organisations, as well as acting as proof of age.
Commenting, SNP MSP Christine Grahame said:
“Young Scot cards are a fantastic way for young people to get discounts and access services. In these tough financial times, that substantial increase is extremely welcome.
“It’s clear from the incredible way in which the number of cards being used has grown in recent years that young people are really enthusiastic about them.
“For their use to grow by 787% in the space of five years is quite extraordinary and is testament to the efforts of everyone who has worked hard to make them a success.
“With more and more local authority services being accessed by cards like this, it is extremely gratifying to see the speed with which these innovations are spreading.
“I hope that we will see even more young people take up their cards in coming years and have no doubt that the scheme will go from strength to strength.”