The text message service is being launched in Shetland

The office in Shetland is introducing the initiative to mark the start of the CAB service's national Advice Week on Monday.

It has linked up with the Shetland Youth Information Service to provide the service through the bureau's Lerwick office.

Manager Les Irving said: "As far as I am aware no other bureau in Scotland - or the UK as far as I can determine - is offering a text advice service."

A volunteer from the Shetland Youth Information Service will man a computer with a text-message facility in the bureau office.

Range of issues

The young person will "translate" the text-message query for a CAB adviser, then turn the response back into a text message format and reply to the client.

The aim is to encourage more young people to seek advice on a wide range of issues.

Mr Irving said: "The CAB is for everyone, but we tend to get few clients under 21.

"We hope that our text message project will capture this younger market.

Gordon Brown is treasurer at the Musselburgh CAB office

Advice Week, which runs until 7 September, aims to give frontline bureaux the chance to highlight their work and appeal for more volunteers.

About 90% of the 2,000 people who work in Scotland's bureaux offices are trained volunteers.

The events planned during Advice Week include the launch of an online facility to let people know how well they are managing their debts.

A report will be issued on Wednesday to illustrate the transport problems faced in rural areas.