From football pitches and swimming pools to village halls and community parks, thousands of young people across the Highlands are set to gain access to new sporting opportunities as the 2026 Summer of Sport officially launches across the region.
A major £527,000 investment secured by The Highland Council in partnership with sportscotland will help deliver free and low cost sport and physical activity programmes across Highland from June 2026 through until March 2027.
The funding forms part of a wider £20 million national investment by the Scottish Government aimed at helping more young people become active while removing some of the barriers that often prevent participation.
For communities spread across one of Europe’s largest local authority areas, the investment could prove especially significant.
From remote rural villages to larger Highland towns, local groups will now be able to apply for grant funding through the Summer of Sport programme to support activities and widen access for children and young people aged between three and 26.
The programme arrives during what is expected to be a major sporting year for Scotland with both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games helping inspire participation and interest among younger generations.
But for many families across the Highlands, the impact may be felt much closer to home.
The funding will support local sessions, outdoor activities, coaching opportunities and community events designed to encourage healthier lifestyles, stronger social connections and long term participation in sport and physical activity.
Chief Executive of sportscotland Forbes Dunlop said the programme demonstrated what could be achieved when organisations work together to widen access to sport.
“At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives.
“The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.
“We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”
Highland Council says the programme will focus heavily on accessibility and inclusion, ensuring opportunities are available regardless of background or location.
Chair of Highland Council’s Education Committee John Finlayson said the initiative would help encourage more young people to become involved in physical activity across the region.
“We’re proud to support the 2026 Summer of Sport and bring exciting, accessible activities to young people in Highland.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to try something new, get active, and experience the joy of physical activity, whether it’s through sport, outdoor events, or community based activities.
“Our goal is to make these opportunities available to everyone, regardless of background.”
High Life Highland will also play a major role in delivering activities across the region.
Head of Sport and Physical Activity Darren Reid said the additional funding would help tackle practical barriers that prevent participation, including transport and staffing.
“Summer of Sport is set to have a really positive impact in the Highlands and we are delighted to be working with The Highland Council and other partners on delivering a range of activities across the region.
“Sport and physical activity has the power to bring communities together, and this initiative gives us the chance to make that happen on a real scale this summer and beyond.
“Extra funding will particularly help us remove some of the barriers to participation.”
Across the Highlands, organisers now hope the programme can leave a lasting legacy long after the summer itself has ended.
