Scottish Government urged to appoint Minister for Sport

SGBS also wants “to ensure a lasting legacy from hosting events such as Glasgow 2026 and the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2027 by bringing more world and European events to Scotland”.

It points out that the pledge to double funding to £100m per year by 2026 was made in 2021, but the government “had yet to increase sport’s annual budget before January’s announcement” of a £20m increase for next year.

The sporting bodies want the remainder of the increase, “which has been signalled for later years in the next Parliament… nailed down no matter which party or parties make up the next Scottish Government”.

SGBS Forum chair Doc McKelvey, chief executive of Scottish Gymnastics, said: “After years of serious financial challenges, we need to be confident that whoever forms the next Scottish Government will follow through on the funding commitment because while the uplift this year has been helpful, without the full level of committed support, sports governing bodies will still continue to struggle.

“This Government’s plan for a ‘Summer of Sport’ to celebrate our sporting success and encourage greater participation is very welcome but we need assurances on future funding that will enable all sports to build on that programme and deliver longer term positive outcomes.”

The SGBS’ recent Running on Empty campaign highlighted how sports in Scotland were “struggling to operate amid increasing financial pressures and standstill funding decisions over the last five years”.

A survey last year of 30 Scottish sports organisations found the standstill budget over the last few years had led to the vast majority having to cut costs, reduce programmes and in some cases lose staff to be able to keep going.

It also said the cuts had led to sport becoming less inclusive and less able to help achieve desired public health outcomes.

The SGBS wants Scotland to mirror the UK Government’s ministerial sports portfolio, which it says “puts sport first”, by “establishing a clear and visible Minister for Sport and Active Life, aligned within the Health portfolio and working across government”.