THE First Minister visited a Renfrew park at the weekend to ramp up support for her party ahead of next week’s Scottish Parliament election.

Nicola Sturgeon joined SNP candidate Natalie Don, who is standing in the Renfrewshire North and West constituency, in Robertson Park on Saturday.

During her visit, Ms Sturgeon reaffirmed her party’s commitment to invest £60million in upgrading play parks across the country.

She said: “The last 12 months have caused all of us to reflect on our relationship with sport and physical activity.

“The SNP has already set out plans to capitalise on the uptake of cycling seen during lockdown by providing free bikes to all school children who could not otherwise afford one and significantly increasing investment in active travel infrastructure.

“By investing in play parks, we will ensure that our very youngest children have the outdoor space to play, to build fitness and to be with their friends.”

Ms Don, who currently serves as a councillor for Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, told The Gazette she was “delighted” to show the First Minister around the state-of-the-art play area in Robertson Park.

She added: “I welcome the SNP’s commitment to upgrading play parks, which will enable many more youngsters from their early years to get chances to enjoy physical activities and improve their fitness in fun, safe environments.

“It is pleasing that the number of women taking part in sport in Scotland has risen substantially in recent years but, as the First Minister highlighted during her visit, more can be done to create a level playing field, allowing everyone to become more active and healthier.”