Netball Scotland has received a £227,000 investment from sportscotland, the largest sum ever awarded to the sport, in order to prepare for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Sports minister Stewart Maxwell said: “Netball is popular with women and girls and this record investment in Netball Scotland will be used to boost the infrastructure of the sport.

“The funding will also be used to develop a performance pathway for the sport, which will help to strengthen our national team ahead of the important sporting events such as the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi.”

Meanwhile, Louise Martin has been appointed chair of sportscotland. “I have enjoyed a long association with sportscotland both as a board member and in my capacity as chair of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland,” she said.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to take up the position at this crucial time for the organisation, as it prepares to relocate to Glasgow and at the same time, ensure it is well placed to lead the delivery of a sporting legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”