Additional funding is to be made available to Scotland’s Local Authorities to improve play parks.
£50million will be distributed to local councils over 3 years:
- 2023-24 – £10 million
- 2024-25 – £15 million
- 2025-26 – £25 million
The play parks eligible for the funding are ones which are free to access and are owned, managed and maintained by the council.
The Orkney Islands Council’s website has a list of play parks:
Children’s Minister in the Scottish Government Clare Haughey 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.”
Planning regulations in Scotland are also to be updated to reflect the Rights of the Child and access to outdoor play. Local authorities will be required to assess the adequacy of play spaces and consult local children and communities on increased provision.

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The playpark in St Marys (Holm) is very tired and cramped. I do hope there is a genuinely democratic process for allocating funds for playparks in need of a bit of love and not the tired old trope of “Cooncil kens best!