A LASTING legacy has long been held up as one of the main aims of the 2014 Games.

As well as enjoying the 11 days of action, the Games are intended as a springboard for improving the host nation's health by creating sport infrastructure and inspiring individuals.

For every athlete competing this year there are around 200 adults in Scotland who manage less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise a week and past major sporting events failed to inspire a generation to become fitter.

Glasgow 2014, however, has taken extra initiatives to offer the wider population more opportunities to enjoy and benefit from physical activity.

Today The Herald is publishing the current situation using some of the crucial figures which Commonwealth Games officials in Scotland are using to measure the Games' impact over the coming years. Schemes that have been launched to help deliver a legacy are also highlighted so we can help track their success.

Paul Zealey, head of engagement and legacy for Glasgow 2014, said: "This is not just about increasing sports participation - we hope the opportunities offered by our partners will mean that Scotland has more people, more active, more often, inspired by Glasgow 2014."

Much of the data about lifestyles today which is being used to benchmark the success of this ambition comes from the Scottish Health Survey, which provides a detailed annual picture of habits north of the Border. The latest figures were obtained from interviews with 4815 adults and 1787 children in 2012.

Lisa Rutherford, research director for the Scottish Health Survey, said: "It is impossible to tell if the Commonwealth Games will have a legacy just now. If we knew the 2013 results for England post the London Olympics, we might get a better insight."