ukactive has questioned the Scottish government's handling of the lockdown, following reports of a delayed reopening of leisure facilities in the country.

There is currently no agreed date for gyms and swimming pools to reopen in Scotland, despite England and Northern Ireland having allowed leisure facilities to return to business.

“The continued delay to reopen gyms and leisure centres in Scotland is damaging the sector and threatening its future," said Huw Edwards, ukactive CEO.

“This delay also risks weakening Scotland’s recovery from COVID-19, by undermining a sector that can have a positive effect on fighting this virus.

“The Scottish Government must continue to work with the sector to set a clear path forward for reopening, providing the necessary clarity.

“Crucially, it should take up the offer to visit facilities and see first-hand the mitigating measures that are being put in place to manage social distancing and cleanliness, after similar visits were conducted successfully in England.

“The sector must be supported to prevent facility closures, significant job losses, and strengthen the health of people across Scotland.”

It is the second time that ukactive has asked the Scottish Government to pay a call at fitness facilities and to witness the anti-COVID-19 measures in place.

In June, ukactive invited Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to "visit gyms and leisure facilities", after she described gyms as "hotspots for transmission".

Out of the home nations, Wales too has yet to decide a date for the return of indoor gyms and pools.

Low cost chain PureGym has previously criticised the Welsh Government over its refusal to re-open gyms so far, saying Welsh people were "desperate to get back into gyms to exercise again".