National Lottery funding brings Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games spirit to communities across Scotland

Local groups in Scotland are preparing to host arts, sport and community activities to:

• bring people together

• encourage participation

• support communities

These inclusive, locally-led activities and events will build excitement, pride and connection ahead of an unforgettable summer of sport.

The funding is part of an extra £2.2 million investment through National Lottery Awards for All Scotland, delivered by:

• The National Lottery Community Fund

• sportscotland

• Creative Scotland

It supports the wider All In campaign run by the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The campaign is a Scotland wide movement. It invites communities, schools, sports clubs, cultural and voluntary organisations and businesses to celebrate the Commonwealth Games in their own brilliant way.

Neil Ritch, The National Lottery Community Fund Director for Scotland said on behalf of the funding distributors:

"We're delighted to support these projects and bring the spirit of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to their community through The National Lottery Awards for All Scotland. It's really exciting to see so many local groups go All in and get inspired to deliver sports, arts and cultural activity. Thanks to National Lottery players, we're helping make sure the benefit of the Games is felt in communities right across Scotland."

The funding will help:

• remove barriers to participation

• enable more people to take part in sport, arts and community activities

• support people's health, wellbeing and social connection

Projects will also celebrate Scotland's cultural diversity. And ensure communities across the country can feel part of Glasgow 2026.

Projects funded for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Strathmore Cricket Club in Angus

The club will deliver adapted sports sessions for people living with dementia. These sessions will run alongside creative activities and Commonwealth Games celebration events.

Rutherglen-based Project 31

Project 31 will host 5 events celebrating the art, culture, food and music of Commonwealth countries.

Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival

The festival will engage local communities in a 5-month Carnival Arts programme and street parade taking place during the Commonwealth Games.

National Lottery Awards for All Scotland has funded 40 projects for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games so far. Read the list of funded projects (Word doc, 40 KB).

Chris Ansell, Glasgow 2026 Director of Live Programmes and Engagement, said:

"From Shetland to the Borders, we want every community in Scotland to feel part of Glasgow 2026. The response from communities across the country has been brilliant with the nation really embracing the spirit of the Games and channelling it into sport, arts and cultural activity. Thanks to support from the National Lottery, we are gathering communities together to celebrate the Games in their own way.

"These projects are proof that the impact of the Games reaches far beyond our incredible venues, sparking something real and lasting in communities. We couldn't be more proud to see that happening right across Scotland."

National Lottery Awards for All Scotland has awarded grants of up to £10,000 to help groups deliver activities that matter to their communities. Funding remains available for projects taking place after the games, helping extend the legacy of Glasgow 2026 long after the closing ceremony.

Community groups interested in applying can find out more about National Lottery Awards for All Scotland.