Sports organisations across Scotland are to share in a £780,000 cash boost to encourage grass-roots participation as well as for nurturing tomorrow's stars.

In her first official engagement as the new head of sportscotland, Louise Martin joined Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell to announce the investment in sports facilities that they said will benefit communities across Scotland, including the renowned mountain bike facilities at Fort William.

They said the current downhill course often proves too difficult for the majority of keen mountain bikers. The existing track will now be complemented by a 2.8km intermediate downhill track, thanks to a £67,000 investment from sportscotland.

The new track will be more suited to recreational bikers and those wishing to develop their skills. Ms Martin said: "The investment in the new intermediate mountain bike track at Nevis Range will undoubtedly attract an increased number of bikers of all ages to the area, reinforcing Fort William and Lochaber as a hub for outdoor sports in Scotland."

Mr Maxwell said: "This substantial investment in Scottish sport will help support the development of quality facilities, at all levels, throughout the country. Projects from Shetland to Dumfries will benefit from a share of almost £800,000."

This is the biggest week of the cycling calendar for mountain biking in Scotland, when world-class riders will return to Fort William for the seventh successive year.