An £800,000 fund has been established to encourage exercise among the least active people in Scotland.
Launched a year since the start of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, the fund aims to reach Scots who are classed as physically inactive, meaning they do less than 30 minutes of physical activity three or four times a week.
According to the Scottish Government, around 21% of people in the country currently fit that category, with groups most at risk of being inactive including people with a disability or long-term health condition, the elderly, teenage girls and some ethnic minority groups.
The Government-funded scheme is being run by Spirit of 2012, an independent trust and Commonwealth Games legacy partner that will award grants of up to £70,000 to projects that work to encourage physical activity in local communities.
Sport Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “We have always been determined to ensure that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting legacy.
“One of the key parts of that is putting in place long-term changes that will encourage Scotland to be more physically active. Today’s announcement adds to the investment and programmes we have put in place.
“We need a culture change where more people understand that being physically active is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and can take action to be more active in their daily lives.
“The Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Fund is about helping people that are putting their health at risk by not exercising enough. We know there are projects that can give people more confidence and knowledge to make these important lifestyle changes, and we’re keen to support this work.”
Debbie Lye, chief executive of Spirit of 2012, said: “Events are not a magic wand. Yet, with the right support and investment, they can be the spark to generate change.
“Once the lights go down on the closing ceremony the real work starts. The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year were a momentous milestone in the history of a brilliant city, and now it’s time to help the legacy live on.
“We were delighted to be asked to work in partnership with the Scottish Government to increase levels of physical activity, promoting well-being across Scotland.”