Scottish Sport Bodies Issue Stark Warning to First Minister
Thirty-nine different Scottish sports organisations have written a joint letter to First Minister John Swinney, warning that Scottish sport is 'running on empty' following his government's failure to deliver on a 2021 manifesto pledge to double annual funding to £100 million.
The Scottish Governing Body for Sport Forum (SGB), representing senior leaders across Scottish sport, describes a 'perfect storm of rising costs, increased demand and reduced real terms funding' that threatens the ability of many organisations to continue operating properly.
The Broken Promise and Its Consequences
The funding promise, made in the Scottish National Party's 2021 manifesto, committed to doubling investment in sport and active living by the end of the current parliamentary term. However, despite repeated inquiries from Daily Mail Sport since 2022, the Scottish Government has maintained this remains an 'ambition' rather than a firm 'commitment'.
Current government funding for sport stands at just under £50 million per year, with the amount reaching governing bodies being 'considerably less'. When inflation is accounted for, this represents a real terms cut over the past four years.
Doc McKelvey, chief executive of Scottish Gymnastics and chair of SGB Forum, stated: 'We've had to mend and make do over the last few years but, for many, we are now running on empty. This is funding to allow governing bodies to operate at even the most basic level.'
Grassroots Crisis Versus High-Profile Events
The warning comes despite Scotland enjoying significant sporting successes and preparing to host major events including the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2027, Euro 2028, and the Commonwealth Games.
McKelvey emphasised the disconnect: 'What we now have with Scotland going to the World Cup, with the home Commonwealth Games and the Tour De France Grand Depart are yet more opportunities for communities, for sports clubs across the country to continue to build that community cohesion.'
He added: 'The players in that Scotland team all started in a local football club. If we don't get this right, it would be a huge, missed opportunity.'
A survey conducted by consultancy firm 56° North revealed alarming statistics: 88% of SGBs expressed concern about their future capabilities if no additional budget is provided.
The financial strain has forced almost all governing bodies to cut costs, reduce programmes, and in some cases lose staff. Most have had to increase membership fees, cut back on community programmes, and take smaller squads to competitions.
Nick Rennie, chief executive of Scottish Cycling, echoed the concerns: 'This crisis affects all bodies, big and small. We are operating under unsustainable financial pressures, which are having a significant impact on the decisions we make.'
The situation is particularly concerning given Scottish Household Survey results from 2023 showing that 37% of adults and 38% of children do not meet recommended levels of physical activity.
The sports bodies are now calling for all political parties contesting next year's Holyrood elections to commit to matching and fulfilling the funding pledge, alongside supporting a more sustainable long-term funding approach.
