Canoeing in Scotland is to receive an investment of £476,600 from sportscotland.

The Scottish Canoe Association (SCA) is the beneficiary of the funding, and will support the development of the sport in the country.

Louise Martin, chair of sportscotland, said: "Canoeing is a sport that consistently delivers for Scotland at the highest level. This investment will allow the SCA to continue that impressive trend through development initiatives like the new regional academies.

"The aim of the academy network is provide a clear pathway for paddlers from participation to performance, ensuring that Scotland remains well represented in the sport."

The SCA received increased funding from sportscotland this year to establish a regional academy network for sprint and slalom canoeing. The four regional centres will be aligned to the Area Institute of Sport regions: West of Scotland, East of Scotland, Central and Tayside & Fife.

Part of the sportscotland investment will support the development and implementation of revised coaching awards, which will benefit grass roots participants across Scotland, as well as those already on specific performance pathways.