The Scottish Government cash will be used to encourage more women and people from LGBT communities to take part in sport

Up to £2 million is being invested to get people from minority groups and disadvantaged backgrounds involved in sport.

The Scottish Government announced the cash, which will be distributed by sportscotland to help offset reduced revenue from the National Lottery.

The money will be granted to governing bodies to be used to encourage more women and girls to take part in sport, to help achieve 50/50 gender balances on boards, and promote greater engagement with LGBT communities, disadvantaged communities and other under-represented groups.

Chair of sportscotland, the national agency for sport, Mel Young said: “This extra investment from the Scottish Government allows sportscotland to supplement our planned investment into the Scottish governing bodies of sport and will help protect jobs and encourage growth within the sports.

“We believe in the power of sport, in its ability to help instil leadership and teamwork among our children and young people, allow people to lead happier, healthier lives, and to promote social cohesion, so it is terrific news that the Scottish Government has been able to provide extra money for sport in Scotland.”

Announcing the funding Aileen Campbell, minister for sport, added: “The Scottish Government is committed to do all we can to encourage more people to lead active lives. Sports governing bodies have an important role to play in that, and they can also be instrumental in ensuring equal access to sport and physical activity.”