Sport and leisure

First Minister John Swinney announces £25 million of funding to local authorities to invest in the renewal of play parks across Scotland. 

All councils will receive a share of the funding to improve the standard of existing play parks – helping to ensure children have access to safe environments to play and socialise in. 

Young people from Stranraer have marked construction beginning on a landmark £6.7m Water Sports Hub overlooking Loch Ryan. 

In only six months time Orkney will host the 20th International Island Games, an event that promises to be a celebration of sport, culture, and community.

Nearly 1000 people have already attended the 30-plus public consultation events and online sessions about the proposed National Park in Galloway.

Thirty tourism businesses, social enterprises and community groups have been supported to help the South of Scotland become one of the leading cycling destinations in the world.

The £300,000 South of Scotland Cycling Infrastructure Fund provided capital grants of £3,000 to £25,000 to the organisations who own visitor facing assets to invest in their cycling facilities.

If you are seeking to get a job in land-based sectors, then the Lantra Scotland website is an invaluable source of information and support.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has confirmed an extended consultation period for people to have their say on whether Galloway should be designated a National Park.

Tasgadh is a fund devolved from Creative Scotland, managed by Fèisean nan Gàidheal and open to organisations and individuals.

It is designed to provide support for traditional artists and organisations to create, perform, tour and showcase work. The fund can also support professional development and learning projects. Tasgadh cannot support the purchase of equipment, nor can the fund be used to match other Creative Scotland funds.