Midlothian Council will receive £229,000 as part of the 2026 Summer of Sport, joining a national effort backed by sportscotland and Scottish Government funds to expand free and low-cost physical activities for children and young people
The local authority in Midlothian has been awarded £229,000 to deliver community sport and activity opportunities as part of the nationwide 2026 Summer of Sport. The grant ties into a broader Scotland-wide campaign coordinated by sportscotland and supported by Scottish Government investment, designed to open up access to sport for children and young people aged 3 to 26.
This initiative arrives alongside a series of national announcements and launches. On 26 May 2026 the Deputy First Minister, Jenny Gilruth, formally launched a linked programme of free and low-cost sporting sessions that will run through the summer and beyond.
Local delivery will be shaped by schools, clubs and community groups so that young people across Midlothian can experience new activities without financial barriers.
What the funding will support in Midlothian
The Midlothian allocation will be used to underwrite a variety of local offers, from one-off events to multi-week courses.
Partners such as Active Schools, sports clubs and community organisations will coordinate sessions that promote healthy routines, social connection and sustained participation. The council emphasises that the aim is to create long-term pathways into regular activity rather than one-off attendance.
Alongside organised sport, the funding will enable outdoor and community-based options that reflect local needs. The council has highlighted the importance of removing cost barriers so that children from diverse backgrounds can take part. Information about the detailed activity timetable will be included when the full Children’s Summer holiday programme is published in June.
National context and additional investment
At national level the Summer of Sport sits within a funded programme facilitated by sportscotland. Local communications reference an £18 million national programme supported by Scottish Government funds, while other public statements connected to the launch describe a specific £20 million fund administered by sportscotland and mention a wider uplift of £40 million to the 2026-27 sport budget. These figures reflect complementary strands of investment intended to increase participation and remove barriers across Scotland.
The campaign is being promoted under the theme Game On, designed to channel enthusiasm from a landmark summer of major international sport into grassroots participation. Organisers expect that high-profile events and international fixtures will inspire more young people to try new sports.
Programme scale and delivery partners
Delivery relies on a mixed network of local authorities, voluntary clubs and educational providers. In Midlothian, clubs and community groups will be invited to apply for additional council-administered grants to support specific projects. Details on the application process will be released by the council in due course, giving grassroots organisations a route to secure extra resources.
Voices from leaders and sport organisations
Councillor Kelly Parry, Leader of Midlothian Council, described the grant as an opportunity to broaden access: she said the council is proud to support the Summer of Sport and wants to ensure children and young people can try something new, whether through organised sport, outdoor events or community activities. The emphasis is on making opportunities available to everyone regardless of background.
Representatives from the national bodies also stressed the social value of the campaign. Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, framed the programme as a partnership effort to make sport more inclusive and accessible. Maureen Campbell, Chair of sportscotland, echoed that view, noting that the investment provides a tangible way to strengthen communities and help young people enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
Football, inspiration and wider sporting variety
The launch event in Glasgow highlighted football among many sports on offer, but officials insisted that the programme covers a broad range of activities including padel, cycling, athletics, swimming and rugby. Scottish Football Association Chief Executive Ian Maxwell pointed out that Scotland’s international fixtures this summer present a chance to convert national excitement into local participation.
Players and coaches have also underlined the personal benefits of sport. National team goalkeeper Craig Gordon commented that sport builds confidence, friendship and belonging, and welcomed investment that creates concrete opportunities for youngsters to get involved near where they live.
How families and clubs can take part
Parents, carers and young people should watch for the publication of the Midlothian Children’s Summer Holiday Programme in June for specific timetables and venues. The council will list free and low-cost sessions and advise on how to register. Clubs and community organisations interested in extra support will be given details on how to apply for local grants once the application guidance is published.
In summary, the Midlothian award of £229,000 forms a local chapter of a larger national push to widen access to sport this summer. With coordinated delivery from local partners and backing from sportscotland and the Scottish Government, the programme aims to turn national sporting moments into sustained opportunities for young people to lead active lives.
