Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government have been engaging with all sports which have been adversely impacted by the loss of spectator revenue with a view to understanding (i) the financial implications; and (ii) what support was required to secure their survival.

Today we are announcing details of a £55 million emergency fund to support the sector through the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be made up of both resource funding and low interest loans. This comes on top of sport scotland’s £1.5 million COVID Recovery Support Fund, announced in August to support Scottish sport governing bodies.

The funding will be comprised of a combination of grants and loans. This includes £30 million for Scottish Football supporting all levels of the game as we know that the impact of COVID has been particularly felt in the lower leagues and non-league/Community Club level. Scottish Rugby will benefit from £20 million, alongside funding for basketball, netball, motor sport, horse racing and ice hockey, including support for ice rinks who support our world class curling programmes as well as recreational and professional skating.

Recognising the importance of supporting the sport sector, this support package is well in excess of the Barnett consequentials received from the £300 million rescue package announced last month by the UK Government, which comprised of £250m in loans and only £50m resource funding.