Improving the health and fitness of people across Scotland is at the heart of a new £23.5m Scottish Government initiative to create a legacy from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

'A games legacy for Scotland' was launched by Scottish first minister Alex Salmond and deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon on 1 September, which outlines how the government aims to capitalise on the economic, social and cultural benefit of the Games. Four key priorities have been identified by the plans, which aims to improve the health of Scottish people through the new Active Nation physical activity programme.

sportscotland will contribute £18m from its own £25.5m legacy funding pot to help support athletes and improve facilities as part of the government's initiative, while a further £5.5m has been put forward by the Big Lottery Fund 2014 Communities Grants Programme. Sturgeon said: "Our legacy plan aims to inspire everyone in Scotland to get involved and take advantage of this unique opportunity to become a healthier nation.

"Working with our partners in sport, health and local government our priority is to get Scotland physically active with people from all backgrounds, living long and healthy lives."