Highlands has potential to become hub of sporting excellence, says Scottish Government minister for public health, women's health and sport Maree Todd
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Scottish Government minister for public health, women's health and sport Maree Todd believes the Highlands have the potential to become a Scottish hub of sporting excellence.
The MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross was speaking at a Scottish Gymnastics event in Inverness as the governing body launched a new vision to ensure the sport is open and safe for all.
Todd was there to speak to officials from the governing body, witness Inverness Gymnastics Club sessions and even had a brief lesson from Commonwealth Games medallist Louise Christie.
What struck the minister in particular, though, was the passion that shone through from everyone involved.
Accessibility can be a barrier in the Highlands to participating in sport, with youngsters sometimes having to travel many miles to get to clubs or training centres.
However, clubs from a range of sports continue to thrive despite those potential limitations, and with Highland athletes generally making their mark on a global stage Todd would love to see opportunities continue to develop.
If that is the case, she believes there is every chance the Highlands could become a powerhouse region of Scottish sport.
"It's absolutely phenomenal – I think the Highlands is the centre of the universe, so I'm loving that everyone has come here," Todd said of the Scottish Gymnastics event.
"Children and young people travel from miles to participate, and gymnastics has phenomenal rates of participation and success. This is a sport that is flourishing in the Highlands, and if it flourishes in the Highlands it can flourish anywhere.
"Of course, there are some indigenous sports, so we've got shinty pitches in many villages. We've got badminton courts in nearly every community in Scotland, so the chance to participate is everywhere – you just need to get on and do it.
"I think there is a real opportunity for the Highlands to be a hub of sporting excellence.
"I used to play rugby for Inverness Craig Dunain, but I have to commend Highland for what they have done in terms of building that sport – they have clubs all over the Highlands feeding in to that centre of excellence.
"The Commonwealth Games was so inspiring for that too. We're an inspiring bunch of people, and when we put our heads and our bodies into it we can do anything."
