New Fund To Target 'Inactive' Scots

1-in-5 Scots is active for less than 30-minutes a week.

An £800,000 fund has been launched by Holyrood to help those who are at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes. Teenage girls, older people and those from certain ethnic minorities are statistically most likely to be inactive.

Grants are open to existing projects that are linked to a community planning partnership and can demonstrate they are already making a difference to activity levels at a local level. Projects will be supported between September 2015 and September 2016. Further information on eligibility can be found at Spirit of 2012 website

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said: "We have always been determined to ensure that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting legacy. One of the key parts of that is putting in place long term changes that will encourage Scotland to be more physically active. Today’s announcement adds to the investment and programmes we have put in place.

"We need a culture change where more people understand that being physically active is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and can take action to be more active in their daily lives. The Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Fund is about helping people that are putting their health at risk by not exercising enough. We know there are projects that can give people more confidence and knowledge to make these important lifestyle changes, and we’re keen to support this work."