Leisure’s economic payback

EVERY pound invested in sport and leisure in Shetland brings a threefold return, according to a new study.

The study, commissioned by Shetland Recreational Trust and Shetland Islands Council, say the benefits of sport and leisure activities are worth more than £10 million in reduced health and social care cost and higher employability.

The trust and the council spend £3.3 million every year running leisure centres, sports classes, games halls, sports pitches, play areas and other facilities in the isles.

The report’s author, Janet Hamblin of accountants RSM, said the true size of the benefit was likely to be higher because the value of only 60 to 70 per cent of SRT and less than half of the council’s activities had been assessed.

SRT chairman Bryan Leask said the study demonstrated that the value of the annual investment in leisure across the islands was reaping major benefits.

“That means lower health and social care costs, greater productivity in the workplace for local employers and young people in gainful education or employment among many other outcomes. It is a very positive report indeed,” he said.

The study is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.