Scotland's inactivity plan includes more school sport opportunities

The Scottish Government is aiming to cut inactivity in adults and teenages by 15 per cent by 2030, with measures involving education, health, transport and planning sectors.

Included in its Active Scotland Delivery Plan are actions such as giving more opportunities for pupils to participate in sport before, during and after school, and helping people move from school sport to clubs.

Other measures include the development of community sports hubs in the most deprived areas; increased funding for cycle and walking paths; promoting good practice to ensure children have safe places to play; and addressing barriers to women and girls participating.

Scotland is one of the first countries to publish a national action plan following the World Health Organisation’s global plan on physical activity.

Public Health and Sport Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “Being physically active is one of the best things we can do for our physical and mental health, whether that’s walking or cycling, gardening, going to a gym or playing sport. It can also transform communities by helping people connect and come together in shared activities.

“Cutting the level of physical inactivity in Scotland by 15% by 2030 means addressing all of the factors involved. This includes relatively large action such as investing in our active travel infrastructure so people can easily walk and cycle, and supporting initiatives such as Health Walks for those who need help to become active, to small acts such as encouraging removal of ‘No Ball Games’ signs.”

Professor Fiona Bull from the World Health Organisation said: “The launch of this delivery plan shows Scotland is out in front, leading on putting policy commitments into concrete actions supported by necessary resources to promote physical activity, for example, doubling the active travel budget from £40 million to £80 million per year. We welcome this strongly, and are pleased to support Scotland’s Physical Activity Delivery Plan. Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. It can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for our children.”