Cultural and leisure services are a major component of the civic infrastructure and make a significant contribution to the quality of life of communities in Scotland. Their intrinsic value is confirmed by the high levels of satisfaction regularly recorded in user surveys. Services are valued not only for their specific provisions, but for their contribution to a sense of community and to personal and collective perceptions of well-being.

Cultural & leisure services: something for everyone

Central to the quality of life

Scottish local authorities have an obligation under the Local Government etc Act 1994 to: "ensure that there is adequate provision of facilities... for recreational, sporting, cultural and social activities."

Cultural and leisure services are strategically placed to contribute to the quality of life of communities. Local, accessible and inclusive Local libraries, parks, swimming pools, sports centres, museums, galleries and theatres, play areas and community halls are part of the civic infrastructure of communities and are accessible to all. In addition, community access to school sports facilities is an important part of this civic infrastructure. There is, however, a need to develop community access to school sports facilities at affordable prices and convenient times in order to address the strategic provision of sports facilities. Such local provision (plus outreach development workers in many services) are a major factor in encouraging certain social groups to participate, especially women and young children, people with disabilities and the elderly.

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