Scotland: physical activity policy snapshot
This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national physical activity policy actions in Scotland. Compare Scotland with other European countries in our MOVING policy index.
Scotland implements policy actions in all 6 policy areas of the MOVING framework. One policy area received a moderate assessment, which was the highest for Scotland: increasing physical activity through public communication which builds behaviour change skills (N).
Within policy areas, weaknesses were identified in road safety actions (I) and physical activity guidelines (N). Attention should also be given to policy areas where a poor assessment was achieved, specifically transport infrastructure to promote active societies (I).
Although action was taken in all areas of the MOVING framework, much more needs to be done to promote structures and surroundings which promote physical activity (V). National government action and good policy design in areas V and I is key to improving overall environments that enable physical activity.
Download a full analysis and breakdown of Scotland’s results
This country snapshot presents detailed results of the MOVING policy index for Scotland. Full index results are outlined in the MOVING policy brief (pdf), which compares Scotland with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.
The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the MOVING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from Scotland, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our MOVING database.
Overview of physical activity policy status in Scotland
Summary of policies reviewed
The policies assessed to produce this country snapshot are listed here. For more details, consult our MOVING policy database.
| Policy name | Area | Benchmark name |
|---|
| Physical activity for children and young people | M | Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation |
| Keep Active, Keep Well | M | Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation |
| Couch to 5K | M | Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation |
| Physical activity in the workplace | O | Offer physical activity opportunities in the workplace and training in physical activity promotion across multiple professions |
| Cycle infrastructure design (LTN 2/08) | V | Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity |
| Asset Management Guidance for Footways and Cycle Routes | V | Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity |
| National Cycle Network | V | Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity |
| Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 | V | Visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity |
| Pothole Action Fund | I | Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies |
| Fill that hole App | I | Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies |
| Local Growth Fund | I | Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies |
| Modeshift STARS National School Travel Awards | I | Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies |
| Walk to School Outreach programme | I | Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies |
| Cycle to Work | I | Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies |
| Change4Life | N | Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills |
| This Girl Can | N | Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills |
| Return To Play campaign – UK | N | Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills |
| We are Undefeatable Campaign | N | Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills |
| Stay In, Work Out | N | Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills |
| UK physical activity guidelines | N | Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills |
| Moving Healthcare Professional Programme | G | Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings |
| Physical activity: brief advice for adults in primary care | G | Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings |
| Behaviour change: general approaches | G | Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings |
| Physical activity: exercise referral schemes | G | Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings |
| Behaviour change: individual approaches | G | Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings |
| RCGP Physical Activity and Lifestyle Toolkit | G | Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings |
| Active Practice Charter | G | Give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings |
NOURISHING country snapshots
We also have snapshots of nutrition policies in 30 European countries. Visit the Scotland page or see all the country snapshots.
Get in touch
The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.
Fill in our feedback form or email the team policy@wcrf.org
