Latest figures from the Active Schools programme in Scotland show that the number of children taking part in the initiative is still growing, with 7.3 million visits made to activities across Scotland in 2018-19.

The figure marks a small increase of 0.4 per cent on the previous year – but follows a year of strong growth from 2017 to 2018, when the number of children taking part in the initiative increased by 5 per cent.

Delivered in partnership between sportscotland and all of Scotland's 32 local authorities, Active Schools is designed to provide high-quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity before school, during lunchtime and after school.

In its latest update on the scheme, sportscotland said that the past 12 months has seen a 2.1 per cent increase in the number of sport sessions being delivered under the Active Schools banner (398,000 sessions).

“Active Schools continues to grow year on year with more opportunities delivered and another increase in the number of people participating," said Mel Young, chair of sportscotland.

“We talk about making an impact together and Active Schools is a great example of working with the right partners in the right way to deliver results.

"The Active Schools network is reliant on strong local partnerships with schools, local authorities, sport development teams, regional managers from governing bodies of sport, volunteers and the clubs who welcome children and young people into their communities.”

One of sportscotland’s longest-running flagship programmes, Active Schools develops effective pathways between schools and sports clubs in the local community. There are now 2,700 clubs linking directly with schools giving children and young people the opportunity to continue in sports to the level they choose.