Teenager Amber Hay's cerebral palsy left her struggling to walk until she was eight years old and talking has never been easy either. But now, the Paisley 18 year old has a job with a charity and is working towards her ambition of being a care worker and supporting other disabled people.

It's all thanks to Paisley venue The Experience, which was officially opened [on Monday] by deputy first minister John Swinney, but which has already helped 33 disadvantaged young people, eight of whom have so far found a job.

The name is a clever pun - with Scotland's first indoor electric go-karting track, a laser-tag complex and even a giant slot-racing car game, it claims to offer a top-class entertainment experience for members of the public and parties.

But, set up by social enterprise Kibble, it also offers work experience to school leavers and young adults who are struggling to find employment.

This includes mechanical skills, working to keep the electric karts, worth thousands of pounds each, in racing condition, catering work in the centre's restaurant, administration and customer service, graphic design in updating and promoting the business as well as painting and decorating and community gardening. Few of the centre's staff are over 25.

Even the nose of a retired Aeroflot passenger jet sticking out of the side of The Experience, is more than just decorative - hidden behind it is a quirky 'departure lounge' used for corporate team building and special events.

"I've gained a lot more confidence and met remarkable people," explains Amber. "I've had successes and failures but I've always tried to overcome my obstacles. The Experience is an amazing place to be."

She's now hoping too return as a volunteer.

Another graduate is 21 year old Connor Sweeney, who worked in the hospitality arm, helping him build his confidence to overcome learning difficulties and coordination problems. "For a wee while I was really struggling to keep a job. This training programme has really changed the way I feel," he said. Having bought a set of chefs knives using a grant, he's now looking for catering work in a care home.

Mr Swinney said the £3.5m centre was a way for young people to find economic and social fulfilment, and said the Scottish Government was keen to support social enterprises. "Kibble is a good example of the way traditional commercial activities can be delivered in a fashion that creates opportunities for individuals," he said.

Director of young workforce development at Kibble Group, Eileen Cummings, said: "It might sound like an unusual combination to have culinary arts mixed with go-karting, but with 70 per cent of 16-19 year olds starting their careers in the hospitality industry, The Experience gives young people meaningful opportunities. As a social enterprise, The Experience will operate on a sustainable model to provide opportunities for years to come."