Jenny Gilruth meets female sports leaders in Dunfermline

As part of the eighth anniversary of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, Scottish Government ministers have been visiting projects encouraging female participation in sport.

The new campus is home to St Columba's - Ms Gilruth used to be a teacher at the high school - and Woodmill. 

She said: "It’s been a pleasure to meet the young female leaders from Fife Active Schools Young Leaders Programme, their commitment to leadership and sport is exemplary and I’ve enjoyed learning more about the work they are doing to encourage more women and girls to participate in physical activity."

Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Image: sportscotland) The Active Schools team in Fife collaborates with primary, secondary and additional support needs schools to increase the quality and range of opportunities and leadership roles.

These roles help young people to develop skills and experience to reach their full potential.

The programme, which includes public speaking, sports psychology, lifestyle training and more, is delivered across all 18 school clusters, with more than 800 young people actively participating each term.

Young leaders from St Columba’s and Woodmill shared their experiences with Ms Gilruth.

This year's campaign focuses on leadership, acknowledging the role models who motivate and inspire others, and dismantle barriers to participation (Image: sportscotland) The week-long campaign aims to inspire women and girls across Scotland to take up a sport or physical activity, enhancing their physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

Cllr Cara Hilton, education spokesperson at Fife Council, said: "I hope this week encourages as many girls and women as possible to get involved in sport if they don't already, and see for themselves the difference it can make to their physical and mental health, as well as the opportunity to socialise and meet new people."