£10m is being pledged by Holyrood to build or upgrade local facilities in communities across the country to get Scots active before Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund is part of the Scottish Government’s Commonwealth Games Legacy 2014 programme and will see grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 made available.

The funding could help communities create new facilities such as bike or skate parks, outdoor adventure facilities, walking routes, or new projects within school estates.

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison today visited the refurbished Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh which was built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games.

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The venue will host the 2014 diving competition.

The Minister said: "The Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund will help communities across Scotland improve their facilities and will appeal to Scots young and old to get more active. I want as many people as possible to benefit and to be inspired by the Commonwealth Games to adopt healthier, more active lives.

"Of course, a lasting legacy from the Games is not just about getting more people active. It’s also about creating a stronger Scotland in terms of our economy, culture and community. We want to see Scottish business win contracts and prosper, young people gain jobs and experience, our international reputation enhanced, and our communities celebrating the Games."

Commonwealth and Olympic swimming champion David Wilkie, who attended today’s launch, added: "We've seen how London 2012 successfully inspired an increased interest in sport, and we need to harness the same energy in Scotland to ensure future generations are inspired and have access to sporting facilities to help them meet their potential."

(IT)