New figures released by the Scottish Government have shown that 55 per cent of primary schools currently offer at least two hours of PE a week.

HM Inspectorate of Education found that three local authorities - Perth and Kinross; East Renfrewshire; and Dundee - were offering two hours in all of their primary schools. Meanwhile, 60 per cent of Scottish secondary schools inspected during 2009-10 delivered at least two periods of PE across S1 to S4.

Education secretary Michael Russell said: "Little progress had been made towards the target when this information was last collected in 2005, so to see 55 per cent of primary schools delivering two hours is a huge improvement." However, the ruling Scottish National Party has been criticised by the Scottish Conservative Party for failing to adhere to its manifesto pledge on PE.

Liz Smith, the Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning, said: "Notwithstanding the fact that there has been progress within some local authorities it simply isn't good enough that 45 per cent of primary school children are still losing out."