Scotland's councils are calling for long-term investment in public leisure and sport, warning that short-term funding and outdated legislation are putting vital community services under serious strain.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has published a new paper, The Future of Public Leisure and Sport – An Investment in Wellbeing, making an evidence-based case for shifting Scotland's approach from crisis response to long-term prevention.

The paper argues that councils and their Leisure Trusts deliver the majority of Scotland's leisure services, managing sports facilities, parks and active travel spaces that support people of all ages. Sustained investment, it contends, can reduce pressure on health and social care, improve educational outcomes and strengthen communities.

COSLA is calling for multi-year flexible funding, modernised legislation, infrastructure renewal and stronger national leadership from the next Scottish Government.

Cllr Maureen Chalmers, COSLA spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said: ‘This white paper makes clear that public leisure, sport and everyday physical activity are not optional extras - they are essential national assets that support Scotland’s health, wellbeing and resilience. Councils are proud to steward the facilities, programmes and open spaces that help people live healthier, happier and more connected lives, but these services are under real pressure.’

Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA spokesperson for Health and Social Care, added: ‘If Scotland is serious about shifting from crisis response to genuine prevention, we need long term investment, modern legislation and stronger national leadership. With the right partnership between Local and the new Scottish Government, we can unlock the full preventative power of leisure and sport and deliver better outcomes for every community in Scotland.’