More than £600,000 will be invested in a series of events designed to get more communities involved in sports activities ahead of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The Scottish Government and EventScotland will work together on the Games for Scotland programme, which will see events take place across the country in 2012 and 2013.

Taster events of 17 Commonwealth Games sports or dance events will be provided as part of the initiative, which is designed to increase physical activity.

Shona Robison, Scottish minister for Commonwealth Games and sport, said: "Never before has there been a more exciting time for sport in Scotland.

"Glasgow 2014 will be the biggest multi-sports event that Scotland has ever hosted and is already bringing significant opportunities and benefits for the people and communities of Glasgow and Scotland."

Details: www.scotland.gov.uk

Image: Tollcross International Swimming Centre, which is being built for the Games and will house a new community facility in legacy mode.