Scottish cricket has been given a funding boost of over £415,000.

Louise Martin CBE, chair of SportScotland, announced the funding as Scotland's national cricket team prepared to fly to South Africa for the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Ms Martin said in a statement: "This is such an exciting time for cricket in Scotland. Our national team is embarking on its bid to qualify for the 2011 World Cup, Cricket Scotland has recently been recognised for its outstanding development work and the number of young players is on the rise.

"I am delighted that our continued investment will support Cricket Scotland in delivering their innovative programmes to develop the sport and encourage a whole new generation of players to take up cricket."

She added: "I would also like to wish the Scottish team the very best of luck in South Africa and hope that the support provided by the Scottish Institute of Sport has assisted in their preparations."

Sports Minister Shona Robison said: "It's great that the work that Cricket Scotland has been doing to engage with young people and encourage more community involvement in the game has been recognised.

"This funding will help build on these achievements and provide coaching costs and development to ensure our cricketers are the best they can be. I have every confidence that our national team will continue to be a credit to the country as they bat for Scotland in South Africa."

The funding is part of an integrated investment in the sport and includes support services from the Scottish Institute of Sport. The national team will now have individually tailored support from the institute, ensuring they are well prepared for the World Cup.

Roddy Smith, chief executive of Cricket Scotland, said: "The investment from SportScotland is crucial in our work to grow participation throughout Scotland and to improve the performances of our national male and female cricketers.

"This winter, the support of the Scottish Institute of Sport, has been invaluable in preparing the Scottish Saltires for the forthcoming world cup qualifiers in South Africa. There is no doubt the expertise that this has brought to our physical preparations will be a major benefit in the heat and altitude of South Africa."