A Glasgow charity founded by a teenager has taken its anti-sectarianism message to more than 5000 young people across Scotland.

Nil by Mouth’s United Against Division project visited 112 schools across 22 local authorities during the 2023-24 session.

The programme, which aims to educate young people on the damaging impact of sectarianism on society, consists of workshops, activities and school twinning projects which bring denominational and non-denominational primaries together.

(Image: Nil by Mouth)

Highlights included a Euro 24 event bringing together schools from Ferguslie Park; a project allowing young football fans to examine the impact of discriminatory chanting on players; and a visit to Britain’s most northerly mainland primary school in John O’Groats.

The Ferguslie Park event saw BBC Scotland’s View From The Terrace presenter Duncan McKay putting on the gloves to face dozens of penalties from pupils at Glencoats and St Fergus primaries.

Duncan McKayDuncan McKay (Image: Nil by Mouth)

The project is supported by the Scottish Government as part of its Tackling Sectarianism programme, which funds work across the country in a range of settings including schools, colleges, workplaces and youth groups.

Earlier this year the Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown, visited Linlithgow Primary in West Lothian to witness the benefits of taking part. The project also offers the opportunity for teachers to learn more about the issue with the charity offering training to staff in North and South Lanarkshire, Argyll and Bute and Dumfries and Galloway as well as to the next generation of teachers at Strathclyde University.

Cara HendersonCara Henderson

Nil by Mouth was founded by former Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year Cara Henderson when she was a teenager, in response to the brutal sectarian murder of her school friend Mark Scott  as he made his way home from a football match in the city.

READ NEXT: Glasgow martyrs remembered as band tells story of Radical Wars in song

The charity’s director Dave Scott said: “We are delighted with the reach of this year’s programme.

“Along with our colleagues at Sense over Sectarianism, who have worked with 5000 young people in Glasgow schools, we are determined to get our message out across the country and help young people consider their attitudes and what they can do to bring about change in our society.”

Dave ScottDave Scott (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “Nil by Mouth was founded by a teenager, so we know the potential of young people to change the world and that is why we invest so much of our time in schools.

“Identity is very prominent in young people’s minds these days and our programme provides them with the opportunity and environment to better understand their own and learn more about other people’s cultures.

“We have to challenge the 'them' and 'us' mentality that is too often passed down from generation to generation.”

Dave added it was “heartening” to see the impact of the work in schools across the country.

He added: “We have taken this project from Gretna to John O’Groats and will continue to bring our message of tolerance and change right across Scotland when term begins again in August.”