Scottish Government: Councils to receive £50m funding to revamp play parks

A £50m fund has been allocated to revamp play parks across Scotland by the Scottish Government.

Children’s minister Clare Haughey unveiled the funding during a visit to Figgate Park in Edinburgh alongside Duddingston Primary School pupils on Thursday.

The cash, which is part of the £60m earmarked in the Programme for Government, will be distributed to councils until the end of the parliamentary term in 2026.

The first £10m will be allocated in the 2023/24 financial year, followed by £15m in 2024/25 and £25m in 2025/26.

In 2021 and 2022, £10m of the promised £60m was spread across local authorities.

Haughey said the funding will help children access safe environments for free amid the cost of living crisis.

She said: “Playing outdoors has huge benefits for children’s physical and mental wellbeing, and play parks ensure children can access high-quality safe environments free of charge as families grapple with the cost of living crisis.

“This funding will support local communities to take forward their plans to improve play parks for children in their area.”

The funds can only be used to refurbish play parks that are owned, managed or maintained by a local council.

Multi-use game areas and dedicated sports fields are also excluded.