Scotland hands out 4m to play sector

The fund, Go Play, will run over two years. Voluntary groups will be able to submit funding bids from mid-September, with support available for regional bodies, small grassroots community organisations and medium and large scale charities.

"It's a capacity building fund," said Marguerite Hunter Blair, director of Play Scotland. "The money will allow community organisations, such as local play associations, to build themselves up to a level where they can apply for further funding. This will help to develop a strong grassroots play sector in Scotland," she added.

Scotland's minister for children and early years, Adam Ingram, said: "I'm delighted to be able to announce this new £4m programme. It will make a real difference towards improving many children's play experience and also ensure there is a lasting legacy in place for our younger children so that they too have better opportunities to develop through play in the future."

The fund will be managed by national charity Inspiring Scotland. Groups will be able to access the money from 18 September, although applications for funding must be made by November.