Scottish community groups are being invited to develop new and improved sports facilities with the help of a new £10m fund announced by First Minister Alex Salmond.

Grants worth up to £250,000 will be made available to organisations and clubs over a three-year period, ending in 2014-15, and will help to provide a legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The fund will be administered by sportscotland on behalf of the Scottish Government and will be based on the same model used in the Cashback for Communities programme.

It is hoped the provision of new and improved facilities, changing rooms and playing fields will drive up sport and physical activity participation among people of all ages.

Salmond said: "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.

"We must harness this force, which is why the Scottish Government is making significant investments - such as creating this £10m fund - to ensure that we maintain that enthusiasm to get people fit and help them stay active with local access to facilities and activities."

Details: www.scotland.gov.uk

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