Scotland's first physical activity strategy has been unveiled in an attempt to reduce the levels of ill health related to lack of exercise.

At least 30% of Scottish children and 60% of adults do not meet the minimum levels of activity needed for good health.

The strategy aims to reduce that to half of adults and 20% of children by 2022.

Scotland has one of the worst health records in Europe Jack McConnell First Minister

Spending money on encouraging people to be more active has been described as "one of the best buys in public health".

Currently 72% of women and 59% of men are not active enough for good health.

About 27% of boys and 40% of girls are inactive even as children.

It is a major factor in Scotland's high rates of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The executive strategy said inactivity was responsible for 42% of deaths from coronary heart disease and a quarter of deaths from stroke and colon cancer.

Scottish election

The Scottish Executive plan aims to encourage 50% of all adults, and eight in every 10 children, to be active by 2022.

However, this will depend on the strategy being adopted not only by whoever wins the election in May, but by the winners of the four Scottish elections after that.

First Minister Jack McConnell said the statistics were a "stark warning" of the need for action.

Inactivity is being linked to deaths

"It is sad to say Scotland has one of the worst health records in Europe - a record no-one should be proud of," said Mr McConnell.

"Lack of exercise is clearly a very common and certain risk to health and wellbeing in Scotland.

"This results not only in death and disease but also limits the extent to which many people in Scotland can participate fully at school, in work, in their communities and family life."

He said young people were the key to improving the health of Scotland's future generations.

"The crucial first step is to ensure that children and young people build sufficient physical activity into their daily lives," Mr McConnell added.

Public awareness

"I urge all schools to build physical exercise opportunities and activities into the school day."

The strategy aims to increase and improve the facilities and staff available to help people become more active.

It also seeks to increase public awareness of the need for increased physical activity.

A national physical activity co-ordinator has been appointed and action plans will be developed to cover homes, schools, workplaces and the community.