A NEW report has laid bare the challenges faced by culture, sport and leisure services in Scotland and warns of an even gloomier picture for the years ahead.
The extensive report by economic and social research specialists EKOS was commissioned by Community Leisure UK, Creative Scotland and sportscotland.
A survey of 14 Councils and 20 Arm’s Length External Organisations (such as Charitable Trusts & Social Enterprises who manage these services on behalf of councils) found that:
Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK, said: “Culture, sport and leisure services are at the very heart of communities and their role in supporting people to live healthier, happier and more creative lives is crucial.
“Sadly, this analysis makes for grim reading, it paints a very bleak picture and one which is only going to get worse in the years ahead. The challenges have been mounting for more than a decade and as outlined in this report are many. This report lays bare the exact reasons why but also provides a guide to the challenges and allow all of us in Scotland to work together and find collective solutions.”
Community Leisure UK, Creative Scotland and sportscotland will be hosting a special webinar with the reports creator for those interested in finding out more detail and the challenges faced. All are committed to finding solutions to these challenges so that culture, sports and leisure can continue to support individuals and communities to access these life changing, much loved and positive services.
Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said “The report highlights the significant challenges facing the culture and creative sectors across Scotland, and the risk to services for communities. Creative Scotland is committed to exploring future models of collaboration between national and local bodies, to ensure that people across Scotland can continue to benefit from the positive impact that culture has on all our lives.”
Maureen Campbell, Chair of sportscotland, said: “This research confirms what our partners are sharing with us and while we do understand the significant short-term pressures on public finances and the difficult decisions that must be made at this time, the sport sector is already facing real challenges. Without continued local and national investment in the sporting system, there is a real risk of more facility closures and loss of sports provision across Scotland, with a resulting drop in sports participation and physical activity levels.
“We all know that culture, sport and leisure services are at the heart of all of our communities, and we need to continue to work together to find a long-term solution.”
The full report is available for download.
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