Planned investment of £23.5 million to ensure Scotland capitalises on the economic, social and cultural advantages of the 2014 Commonwealth Games was announced today.

At the launch of A games legacy for Scotland at The People's Palace, First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined how the Scottish Government and its partners aim to deliver long lasting benefits from the Games.

The plan has been launched with £18 million sportscotland funding from a total £25.5 million it has earmarked for the legacy. This investment will support athletes, improve facilities, coaching, and together with key stakeholders, including Cosla, help to create a network of Community Sports Hubs across Scotland.

The legacy is also supported by £5.5 million planned investment from the Big Lottery Fund 2014 Communities Grants Programme which aims to build a legacy of wellbeing before and beyond the Games. This funding follows on from £1.3 million already allocated up to 2010.

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The legacy plan aims to create a healthier Scotland through Active Nation, the Government's new physical activity programme. With health as the unifying theme, the plan focuses on four key areas:

• An Active Scotland - to get Scotland more active with people from all backgrounds living long, healthy lives
• A Connected Scotland - promoting learning and culture and creating strong international links
• A Sustainable Scotland - encouraging greener lifestyles and supporting the regeneration of the east end of Glasgow
• A Flourishing Scotland - developing business, skills and employment, tourism and promoting a positive image of Scotland as a place to live, visit, work, learn, invest and do business

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "We will work to create new funding opportunities to support this ambitious programme and, with cross-party support, we will continue to make the case for the recovery of £150 million Lottery funds diverted from Scotland to pay for the London Olympics.

"Meanwhile the investment of £23.5 million will help build a positive and long lasting legacy from 2014 with benefits to sport, health improvement, tourism, business development, regeneration and education for generations to come."

(GK/KMcA)