The SNP have “broken their promise to a generation of children” by failing to refurbish more than half of Scotland's playparks, according to the Scottish Conservatives.
Figures obtained by the party through a Freedom of Information request show that just 1,960 of Scotland’s 4,508 play parks have been renewed since 2021 – 43% of the total.
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon made it a key SNP manifesto point to “renew every play park in Scotland.”
The data also shows that 19 out of Scotland’s 32 councils have spent money on fewer than half of their play parks.
Education spokeswoman Meghan Gallacher has described the findings as “damning” and said they expose yet another broken SNP promise.
She added that the nationalists’ “brutal” cuts to council budgets are severely hampering efforts to repair deteriorating play parks.
Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman Meghan Gallacher said:
“The SNP made a clear commitment to families that every play park in Scotland would be renewed, but these damning figures expose yet another broken promise.
“Safe, modern play parks are at the heart of our communities and give children the opportunity to play and exercise.
“Yet thousands of children are still waiting for the improvements the SNP promised over five years ago.
“This is another example of the SNP overpromising and underdelivering. Their brutal cuts to council budgets are severely impacting the efforts of local authorities to bring every play park up to scratch.
“They have broken their promise to a generation of children.
“Parents deserve better than broken manifesto commitments, and ministers must explain why so many communities continue to be left behind.”
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Notes
The Scottish Government has renewed less than half of Scotland’s play parks. There is a total of 4,508 play parks in the entire estate, however, only 1,960 have been renewed since 2021. This means 43% of play parks have been renewed. (Scottish Government, FOI 202600528952, 29 July 2026, available on request).
Over half of local authorities saw less than half of their play parks renewed. In total, 19 out of 32 local authorities saw less than 50% of their play parks renewed. The Scottish Borders saw the smallest percentage of play parks renewed with 10%, followed by Fife with 17%, and Dumfries and Galloway, North Lanarkshire, Orkney and Shetland all with 20%. (Scottish Government, FOI 202600528952, 29 July 2026, available on request).
The SNP Government promised to renew all play parks in Scotland. The SNP’s 2021 manifesto states: ‘Renew every play park in Scotland, so that all children have access to quality play in their own community, backed by £60 million.’ (SNP 2021 Manifesto, 15 April 2021, link).