THE first minister touched down in the Wee County to speak with care experienced children as part of a national drive to celebrate the work carried out in that sector.

John Swinney visited the Sauchie Resource Centre and Lornshill Academy to mark Care Experienced Week, shining a light on both carers and those in the care system.

Mr Swinney was joined by staff from Clackmannanshire Council, Barnardo’s and Who Cares? Scotland at the community event.

The first minister got the chance to learn about the range of work being carried out within Clackmannanshire to Keep the Promise to care experienced children and young people.

He said: “The Scottish Government is committed to Keeping the Promise – our commitment to bring about the necessary changes to ensure all care-experienced children grow up safe, loved and respected – by 2030.

“Visiting the Sauchie Resource Centre and Lornshill Academy gave me a really valuable opportunity to talk with children and young people who have been in care, along with the carers who do such incredible work to support them.

“It also allowed me to express my appreciation for the innovative work Clackmannanshire Council is doing, which is informed by having the Promise at the heart of the local Family Wellbeing Partnership.

“I would like to acknowledge Clackmannanshire Council, Education Scotland and their partners for piloting an award scheme which has allowed more than 2000 young people and 600 staff to receive training so they better understand The Promise.

“This is a remarkable achievement and I congratulate all those who have received awards.”

READ MORE: John Swinney passes through Sauchie on campaign run

As part of the first minister’s visit to Lornshill Academy, he learned about local schools who have achieved the Keeping the Promise Award.

He also met children and young people who were enjoying funded holiday sports activities, as part of the Scottish Government’s Early Adopter Childcare Funding, through Clackmannanshire’s Family Wellbeing Partnership.

Council leader Ellen Forson, champion for the Promise, added: “I was delighted to welcome the first minister to Clackmannanshire again, where he was able to talk directly to local people, and to show him the innovative ways we are working in partnership with our communities to help improve the lives of care experienced young people.

“Clackmannanshire is building a strong and connected care community, with the Promise firmly embedded within our Family Wellbeing Partnership to ensure that we have a whole system approach in place to support families and meet young people’s needs.

“We’re working alongside our families to build and develop that support, and we will keep driving that innovative approach forward in the council, working together with local and national partners.”