Sportscotland has unveiled a new £20m National and Regional Facilities Fund to create large, multi-purpose sports facilities in areas which do not currently have them.

The move is part of Sportscotland’s strategy to enhance the existing network of national and regional sports facilities across Scotland.

Sportscotland has already identified a number of areas in Scotland – such as Highland, Tayside & Fife, Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Stirling and the Scottish Borders – which can benefit from improved facilities. The agency will now work with its partners in local authorities and governing bodies of sport to help deliver new projects.

Sports minister Shona Robison said the investment forms a part of plans to create a lasting legacy from this year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

“Scotland already enjoys world-class facilities and with just days until the Commonwealth Games begin, this £20m pound investment demonstrates our long term ambitions for sport,” she said.

“We are committed to making Scotland a healthier nation, from helping people of all ages to enjoy sport to supporting athletes to compete at the highest level. By working with local authorities and sporting bodies, the National and Regional Facilities Fund will create a lasting legacy from the Games for years to come.”

Potential projects to receive funding from the new grants scheme have already been identified. The include the Regional Performance Centre in Dundee and the Meadowbank redevelopment in Edinburgh.

Background:

• The new £20m fund is in addition to sportscotland’s previous investment of £44.3m through the National Regional Sports Facilities Strategy.