Meeting of the Parliament 02 June 2026 [Draft]
Tapadh leibh, Oifigeir Riaghlaidh. I am pleased to open the debate on Scotland’s summer of sport. It is my first debate since being reappointed as minister for sport. This is the first time that I have spoken in the chamber since being re-elected, so I thank the people of the Highlands and Islands for electing me. I wish the very best of luck to my successor, David Green, in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
Many members will be aware that I have had the privilege of serving in the role of sports minister since 2021. During that time, I have seen at close hand the profound and positive difference that sport and physical activity can make to people’s lives across Scotland. Sport improves physical and mental health, strengthens communities, boosts resilience and confidence, enriches lives and opens doors to new opportunities. That is why sport and physical activity play such a central role in our population health framework and our wider ambition to reduce health inequalities across Scotland. Introducing young people to regular, enjoyable physical activity at an early stage significantly increases the likelihood that they will remain active throughout their lives. It is during those formative years that we nurture physical confidence, develop fundamental skills and foster a lifelong appreciation for movement.
That is why we announced significant additional investment of £20 million in the 2026-27 budget to deliver a nationwide summer of sport programme, which is designed to make this a truly transformational summer for children and young people across Scotland. The Deputy First Minister officially launched the summer of sport programme on Monday 25 May at Pollok United football club. It was a glorious, sunny day that was full of energy, with young people being inspired not just by the activities that were on offer but by a visit from Scotland and Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon. The event captured exactly what the programme is about—inspiration, opportunity and inclusion—because this will be a landmark summer for Scotland.