2. To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has carried out of the physical and mental health impact of closing fitness facilities and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. (S5O-04526)

The Scottish Government recognises the impact of indoor sport and physical activities being closed, and we appreciate the co-operation that has been shown by the public and the industry, which has allowed us to ease restrictions and permit indoor facilities to open from 31 August, with physical distancing and enhanced hygiene measures in place. We will shortly be publishing detailed impact assessments of the impact of restrictions on a range of activities, including fitness facilities and services.

Many activities—for example, grass-roots football—have been dealt a huge blow during the past months. The third sector resilience fund can help, but it is short term. The physical and mental benefits of local football clubs, especially youth clubs—[

Inaudible.

]—targeted support to ensure that our national game survives at the local level?

I missed some of the question, but I think that it was basically about grass-roots sport in general and football in particular.

Maurice Golden is absolutely right about the importance of grass-roots sports for the physical and mental health of our population. We have been working closely with the Scottish Football Association and other sports governing bodies through sportscotland in order to maintain as much work as possible from those governing bodies to support on-going physical activity.

We have seen some amazing examples of innovation, and not just through the use of technology. However, what has been most notable is how various sports governing bodies have used technology to encourage their members to keep physically active. That said, I recognise the challenge in catching up on the time that has been lost because of the lockdown.