Primary school pupils across Scotland are set to benefit from an increase in the number of free swimming lessons made available after the Scottish Government committed £800,000 of funding.

The money will be invested over the coming year to improve the delivery of lessons and ensure that all children have an opportunity to learn how to swim. Local authorities will be able to determine how best to offer new services or complement existing provision in their area, before submitting plans to sportscotland and Scottish Swimming, who are supporting the scheme.

Scottish sports minister Shona Robison said: "Following evidence from Scottish Swimming, it is clear that focus and resources should be on improving access to swimming lessons for children. "The skills our children learn when swimming not only give them confidence in the water but provide them with a fun way of being active which will stay with them throughout their lives."