Sport in schools - 'PE should be a key part of curriculum'

Scotland is a nation which loves its sport, as the massed ranks of the Tartan Army will no doubt demonstrate tomorrow by roaring on our footballers against Spain.

But we have not always been the best at translating that passion into large numbers of people on pitches and courts getting active themselves.

The most glaring example of this is in our schools, where the vast majority fail to provide even two hours of PE a week, a manifesto promise of the SNP before the last Scottish elections.

It is therefore heartening to see Broxburn Academy, as we report today, putting sport at the heart of its curriculum. Standard Grade PE is now compulsory there, ensuring that 14 and 15-year-olds get some exercise.

But anyone thinking this is a quick-fix answer to the wider problem is simply fooling themselves.

Everyone knows the lifelong benefits children get from developing an active lifestyle. But if they have not done that by the age of 14 then the battle is already lost.

Such good habits are learned at a much younger age - and that is when delivering sport through the school curriculum is most vital.

Yet that is being achieved in less than a quarter of city primaries, and just one in five secondaries. PE may not be as vital as the 'Three Rs', but it should be a key part of the curriculum in primary and early secondary years.

Purple reign ends

THE loss of the "ambassadors" who have become a prominent fixture on the streets on Edinburgh will be sorely felt by many.

Clearly the impact is greatest on those who have been doing the job: giving directions and advice to tourists, reporting litter and anti-social behaviour and even carrying out some First Aid

But others, too, will miss the sight of their distinctive purple uniforms and the cheerful approach that most brought to a high-profile job.

It is thought most ambassadors will be redeployed, and Essential Edinburgh insists the change is not about cost-cutting but rather responding to the changing requirements of local businesses.

As it is those firms' levies which pay for the work, it is right that their needs are given priority, especially at a time when all local businesses need to make every penny count.