The Scottish Government has launched a scheme to tackle physical inactivity among girls across all of Scotland’s 381 secondary schools.

Called Fit for Girls, the £530,000, nation-wide programme will be led by Sportscotland and funded by the Government.

The scheme will see Youth Sport Trust trainers providing training for teachers and active school coordinators across the country, in an attempt to develop specially-tailored activities for girls both in school and outside the curriculum.

Successful pilot schemes have so far been introduced in 27 schools, with research showing that average participation rates increased from 18 per cent to 26 per cent in 75 per cent of the schools taking part.

Scottish Sports minister, Steart Maxwell, said; “The benfits of physical activity to the health and wellbeing of girls are enormous and we are committed to increasing participation across all ages.

“Worryingly, as young girls approach adolescence there is a decline in participation and involvement in exercise.

“This new investment will give girls and young women more opportunities and choices to enjoy the social, psychological and physical benefits possible through physical activity.”

According to Scottish Government figures, physical actovity among girls declines sharply as they get older and by the age of 12 only 56 per cent of girls are meeting the national recommendation of five hours of physical activity a week.