Time to make Scotland a 'sporting nation' and end shocking divide between rich and poor

As the Commonwealth Games get underway in Glasgow, athletes from across the world will be demonstrating just what the human body is capable of achieving when honed to the peak of physical fitness.

Given the presence of these inspiring role models in our country and the men’s national football team’s appearance at the World Cup, the SNP were quite right to try to harness all the excitement by investing £20 million in a ‘Summer of Sport’ initiative to help fund free and low-cost sporting activities, including football, rugby, swimming, cycling, and athletics.

In May, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said that they were “removing barriers to accessing sport and delivering sustainable opportunities for people across Scotland to be more active”.

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Gymnast Tiana Sumanasekera of Sri Lanka takes part in training ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games (Picture: Naomi Baker) | Getty Images

Sporting ‘attainment gap’

The Scotsman wholeheartedly supports such efforts. Our only criticism is that, while it provides a glimpse of what can be done, it does not go anything like far enough.

School sports are a shadow of what they used to be, with growing concerns about a sporting ‘attainment gap’ between rich and poor. Unlike too many state schools, the private sector has retained a much-needed emphasis on sport and exercise – a draw for many parents.

The physical benefits of exercise are well known. As we have noted several times before (and will continue to do so), it has been described as a “miracle cure” for an array of ailments. It also has a hugely beneficial effect on mental health. And, at a time when many people are struggling, this is not something that should be overlooked.

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If Scotland were to become a truly ‘sporting nation’, our population would be fitter, stronger, healthier and happier. And, with fewer people needing the services of the NHS, it’s current crisis would fade, the welfare bill would fall, and employers would benefit from fewer people going off sick.

There is obviously a substantial cost to ensuring access to sport for all. However, we believe this is the goal towards which our government should travel. When the financial and human benefits are combined, we have absolutely no doubt that it would be more than worth it.