IT is the home of high-fat breakfast favourite the buttery and despite that has a life expectancy that is higher than the Scottish national average.

But now a new survey shows that one in three Aberdonians are couch potatoes with the city having the lowest rates of physical activity in the country.

A report being put to MSPs reveals the Granite City is bottom of a league table of sports participation and cannot compete with Falkirk, which tops the chart with some 88 per cent keen on exercise.

The Herald:

The report, which will be presented to the Scottish Parliament’s health committee has also unveiled concerns for Kilmarnock, the home of the Killie pie, where one in five do not participate in regular sport and physical activity.

The study of more than 3000 people was carried out to consider the degree of progress made in recent years, and in the wake of Glasgow's hosting of the Commonwealth Games, around access to, and participation in, sport in Scotland.

It found that of the one in five that do not take part in sport, 73 per cent were female.

The most common reason given for being inactive was not having the time with 60 per cent of women and 51 per cent of men giving that reason.

The Herald:

Caring or family commitments, a feeling of self-consciousness and a shortage of suitable facilities were also major reasons.

When asked what might encourage them to be more active, around 60 per cent said if there was employer support, while around 45 per cent suggested more flexible working arrangements and taster sessions at a club or gym might entice them.

When those that were inactive were asked which sport or physical activity they might like to try the most popular answer amongst men was snooker, billiards or pool (69 per cent) and football (60 per cent).

The Herald: Fitness programme will transform you from couch potato to 5k runner

Amongst women 93 per cent fancied dancing, while 91 per cent went for yoga and 87 per cent plumped for keep fit or aerobics. Scottish Conservatives called for more action to make Scotland an active nation.

Their sport spokesman Brian Whittle said: "It's hugely important to participate in regular activity, and it's known to come hand in hand with living a healthy and happy life.

"It's sad that the SNP has failed to make the most of Glasgow's Commonwealth Games' potential to make Scotland a healthy and active nation for years to come.

"The Scottish Government claims it wants to shed Scotland's unhealthy image.

"However, the only way to start making Scotland a healthier and more active nation is to start knocking these barriers down."

Meanwhile one of Scotland’s largest and most successful athletics clubs, Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club (AAC), are set to build a £2.1m state-of-the-art indoor facility designed to increase participation in sport and support the achievement of sporting excellence.

Local councillors will on Thursday be asked to approve the allocation of £500,000 - in two tranches of £250,000 - to support the proposed development which will provide facilities for over 525 male and female athletes as well as the local community.