First Minister Alex Salmond has confirmed that a £2m Active Places Fund has been set aside for a number of community projects as part of the Commonwealth Games legacy.

Minister Salmond made the announcement, adding that the people people of Hawick would benefit from the latest round of the sports and activity fund, which will see three new all-weather tennis courts built in the town.

The Minister visited Wilton Lodge Park, where the bust of Hawick rugby legend, Bill McLaren, is situated, to reveal that Bill McLaren Park Ltd has been awarded £77,000 towards the state-of-the-art tennis courts.

He added that the project is one of 40 community sports and physical activity developments across Scotland that will benefit from funding amounting to £2m to ensure the impact of next year's Games continues for a long time.

In total, 40 projects across the country have received funding. Other successful projects included in the latest round are Ettrick Forest Sport and Recreation Club for the refurbishment of its tennis court and changing rooms, as well as developments such as Arbroath Skate Park, Cycle Speedway at Queen Anne High School in Dunfermline and a Trim Trail with play equipment at Elphinstone Primary School in East Lothian.

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Minister Salmond said: "Glasgow 2014 is the largest sporting and cultural event Scotland has ever hosted and with less than one-year to go – there is a great sense of pride and excitement around the Games all across Scotland.

"The investment in this community facility in Hawick - and many others across the country – is part of this government's vision to deliver a lasting legacy through the Games, by improving local facilities and inspiring people to get active, either through sport or something simple like going for a walk.

"Awarding funding to a project linked to rugby legend Bill McLaren is particularly apt in this community, given all that the great man did for sport here, putting Hawick on the map on a global sporting stage. I can think of no more deserving project for this funding than one that ensures the people of Hawick can get active.

"This award is even more timely given the success of Andy Murray at Wimbledon, which has no doubt led to an increased interest in tennis. The new all-weather tennis courts in Hawick will allow locals to enjoy the sport - whatever their level.

"The Games coming to Scotland provides an exceptional opportunity to make our nation healthier, help our businesses to prosper and celebrate our modern and vibrant culture both at home and on the world stage. Across Scotland local communities will benefit from the Active Places Fund giving people of all ages the opportunity to be part of the excitement created through the Games."

(JP/MH)