Tuesday June 30th 2026
West Lothian Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
The school holidays have kicked off a £2m summer of play and sports for West Lothian youngsters.
The West Lothian Summer Programme Grant Award Scheme funds activities delivered by community organisations across the county offering games and sport, arts and play.
And Sport Scotland has given £445,000 to the council to deliver free, targeted or reduced-cost events focused on children and young people aged 3 – 26.
In a report to the Education PDSP Beverley Akinlami, the council’s Community Learning Services Manager said: “The 2026 Summer Programme will provide holiday clubs over the six-week school holidays.
“In addition, direct payments will be made to the families of children and young people entitled to free school meals over the summer holiday period.
“The 2026/27 revenue budget for school holiday provision is £240,000, and a further £1.513 million for free school meal payments during school holidays.
“Officers will coordinate the delivery of summer holiday provision for young people, in partnership with regulated childcare providers, third-sector organisations, and community groups, to design and deliver activity programmes and services that support targeted groups and wider provision for young people in West Lothian.”
The new Sport Scotland funding is aimed at launching interest in sports and building the start of an ongoing programme which develops coaching skills.
The West Lothian funding has been split into four key areas.
A £120,000 Summer fund aims to enhance equity in holiday provision for children and families living in poverty who may experience barriers to accessing activities, food, and childcare during the holidays, as well as those facing barriers to participation.
An equal amount has been earmarked for a Beyond Summer fund. This funding is available to extend further the impact of summer holiday physical activity and sporting programmes beyond August.
Step into coaching gives a £30,000 funding opportunity that supports people in accessing scholarships to either start a coaching journey or progress through qualification levels in their chosen sport.
Finally, a £15,000 fund is available to established Community Sport Hubs in West Lothian to run a large-scale event or series of events. This fund can also be used to provide opportunities through the hub for targeted children and young people throughout the year.
Full details of the Sport Scotland Fund can be found here.
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