Community groups in Scotland will be able to build, upgrade and improve sports and physical activity facilities with grants from a £10 million fund to encourage participation in sport in the wake of the Commonwealth Games, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.

Awards of up to £250,000 will be given to sporting organisations and local groups to construct new facilities or improve existing playing fields, changing rooms or sports or activity centres, driving an increase in the numbers of people of all ages taking part in sport and other exercise.

The fund, which will form part of the lasting legacy for the whole of Scotland from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, will be administered by sportscotland and based on the grant distribution model used by the Scottish Government’s hugely successful CashBack for Communities programme, which has already helped improvements at dozens of capital projects for sport across Scotland.

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The awards will be spread over three years, culminating in 2014-15, when interest and excitement over the Commonwealth Games will be at its peak.

The FM said: "It is essential for Scotland that we create a positive, meaningful and lasting legacy for the whole of the country arising from Glasgow’s hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"Already we can see a wide range of legacy activity taking shape across the country, including the delivery of at least 150 Community Sports Hubs, meaning that in every local authority the right sporting facilities will be available in the right places.

"There is no doubt the Commonwealth Games will be a driving force in instilling healthy and positive attitudes towards being active and to encourage Scotland to become a healthier and fitter nation."

(GK)