Sport participation is on the rise in Scotland, according to new figures.

The figures released by SportScotland show an increase in the number of people registered to sports clubs in Scotland has risen in almost every sport where data is available since the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Overall, the number of people participating in sport across the country is up 8.7% since 2013/14, from 706,764 to 768,212.

Sports that experienced the biggest increase in numbers included cricket, which has seen nearly a 50% rise in participation since 2013/14, golf, basketball, athletics and tennis.

Clare Haughey, SNP MSP and deputy convenor of the Scottish Government's health and sport committee, said the figures are "excellent news".

She added: "The importance of living active lifestyles at all ages cannot be underestimated - helping to improve health and wellbeing for those involved. It is particularly encouraging to see more young people getting involved in sports, with involvement at a young age being vital in creating good examples for later life.

"With kids being inspired by our great Scottish athletes such as Andy Murray, Robbie Renwick and Eilidh Doyle, it is no surprise that more and more young people are getting involved in sports.

"I am delighted to see the Scottish Government continuing this work by committing funding to encourage women's participation in sport through the Sporting Equality Fund, which will see us continue to increase the number of women and girls involved in sport - somewhere that significant progress has already been made.

"Scotland is a nation with a fantastic sporting heritage. It is great to see people's participation rates rising - improving people's health across the country, as well as helping develop our potential stars of the future."

Meanwhile, five groups are set to share in almost £750,000 of Commonwealth Games legacy funding in a bid to encourage more Scots to become physically active.

The money for 2016-17 is being awarded to Creative Scotland, Street Soccer Scotland, Spirit of 2012, Young Scot and Clyde Gateway.

The awards are granted through the Legacy Active Places Fund, a Scottish Government project supported by sportscotland.

In total, 188 projects across all 32 of Scotland's local authorities have been awarded funding from a £10m pot.

Louise MacDonald, chief executive of Young Scot, said the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games made a "huge impression" on young people across Scotland.

She added: "We recognise how important it is to ensure that the lasting legacy of the Games continues by providing young people with opportunities to engage and lead activity, remove barriers to participation and recognise their achievements."