The Scottish Governing Bodies for Sport (SGBS) have issued a call for all candidates in the Scottish Parliament election to double funding on sport to £100 million annually.
The increase is needed to cope with rising costs and increased demand.
The organisation’s election manifesto outlines a demand for a dedicated Sports Minister within the health portfolio, rather than a role added to other responsibilities and a long term plan.
Edinburgh is a major sporting location with the Royal Commonwealth Pool. the National Performance Centre at Oriam, the International Climbing Arena, the Grange and Meadowbank Sports Centre. These venues support many full time jobs and create investment in the area.
SGBS represents senior leaders in sports organisations with around 800,000 members in Scotland, covering a wide variety of sports.
In 2021, The Scottish Government pledged to double annual funding to £100m per year by 2026 but had yet to increase sport’s annual budget during the last Parliament until this year’s Budget, when they announced an initial £20m increase in annually recurring sports funding with a focus on supporting governing bodies and their day-to-day operational needs.
The increase came in the wake of the SGBS’ powerful Running on Empty campaign which highlighted how sports in Scotland were struggling to operate amid increasing financial pressures and standstill funding decisions over the last five years.
The remainder of the uplift has been signaled for later years in the next Parliament. SGBS want that commitment nailed down no matter which party or parties make up the next Scottish Government.
Doc McKelvey, chief executive of Scottish Gymnastics and Chair of the SGB CEO/COO Forum said: “Sport is a strategic national asset with strong regional focus. Governing bodies are key partners in delivering national priorities such as health and wellbeing, strong communities,
economic growth, education and Scotland’s international reputation and we play a vital role in the regions like Edinburgh and the Lothians too.
“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 continue to struggle.
“Our members have been speaking to candidates across Scotland to ensure they fully understand the benefits that will come to their region with this investment in sport.”
The SGBS Manifesto for Holyrood
Sport is a strategic national asset, and Scotland’s sports governing bodies (SGBS) are key
partners in delivering national priorities. Sport makes an increasing contribution to health and
wellbeing, strong communities, economic growth, education and Scotland’s international
reputation. The Scottish Government should recognise this by delivering on its commitment to
double annual investment in sport to £100 million by 2028, providing the stability and confidence
required to maximise sport’s impact for the nation.
Funding: Deliver the commitment to double annual investment in sport to £100 million, with a
sustained focus on participation through club and community sport, facilities and the capacity of
SGBS. Existing spending commitments should be embedded in the next Programme for
Government, with the £30 million uplift delivered in the 2028–29 Budget and maintained,
ensuring long-term stability and impact across the sporting system.
Minister: Formally recognise sport’s national value by establishing a clear and visible Minister
for Sport and Active Life, aligned within the health portfolio and working across government.
This role would provide leadership and accountability for maximising sport’s contribution to
prevention, wellbeing, economic growth, social value and community resilience.
Major Events: Scotland’s success in hosting major sporting events is exceptional for a nation of
our size. These events showcase Scotland internationally while supporting SGBS to grow
visibility, inspire participation and strengthen pathways into sport. The Scottish Government
should work in closer partnership with SGBS, through the national events strategy ‘Scotland:
The Perfect Stage’, to deliver a coherent, long-term and cost-e
