Perthshire's premier sports and leisure provider has been recognised as a market leader in social trading.

Live Active Leisure - which operates in 14 venues throughout Perth and Kinross - has become the first leisure trust in Scotland to be awarded the Government-supported Social Enterprise Mark.

Scottish Finance Minister John Swinney presented the Mark to LAL chairman Linton Scarborough and Chief Executive Jim Moyes in recognition of the part the Trust plays in working to benefit the people of Perth and Kinross.

Live Active Leisure is now among a growing number of companies throughout the UK to apply for the Mark which was launched earlier this year with successful applicants including the Eden Project.

Presenting the Mark to the not-for-profit leisure trust, Mr Swinney said it was a "great pleasure" to be asked to mark the occasion.

"Being the first leisure trust in Scotland to achieve this award is a great accolade indeed," he said. "Operating right across Perth and Kinross, Live Active Leisure provides great facilities for all users. "At a time when people are living more sedentary lives, it is vital that facilities are available on people's doorsteps to allow them to become more active. Live Active Leisure meets these needs. "I wish everyone involved with the trust well for the future."

LAL Chief Executive Jim Moyes said they were "delighted" to attain the well deserved Mark which displays the efforts that staff regularly make in supporting the local community.

"Social Enterprise Mark values sit very comfortably with what Live Active Leisure is all about as well as our on-going focus on positive social and environmental impact throughout Perth and Kinross at the nine leisure venues we operate and within the five community campuses where we operate the leisure facilities. "To be the first major leisure trust to attain recognition for our efforts is a real credit to everyone involved."

Lucy Findlay of the Social Enterprise Mark Company said they were "delighted" to reward Live Active Leisure's commitment to the award ethics.

"Social enterprises come in all shapes and forms so it's great to see a vital, local sports and leisure provider understanding the importance of being part of the wider social enterprise brand."

Government data estimates that there are around 62,000 social enterprises across the UK contributing £24 billion to the economy and employing around 800,000 people. The Social Enterprise Mark aims to raise awareness of what social enterprises do in order to encourage more people to buy from, engage with and work for those who achieve that status.