RUGBY balls, water bottles and stopwatches are among £600,000 worth of equipment which is being distributed to schools and sports clubs as part of the Commonwealth Games legacy programme.

More than 5,000 items, including netballs, hockey balls and whistles, are being divided up between 32 local authorities, while other larger items will go to dedicated sports facilities. Some £200,000 of weightlifting and powerlifting equipment will be used at the sportscotland Institute of Sport.

Stewart Harris, chief executive of Sportscotland, said the equipment would have a positive impact in the aftermath of Glasgow 2014.

Shona Robison MSP, Sports Minister, added: "This is all part of delivering a lasting legacy of a healthier and happier Scotland."