SPORTS centres, swimming pools, museums and libraries could all be forced to shut their doors unless there is a rethink on a recommendation to remove the charitable tax relief they enjoy, it has been warned.

The umbrella body which oversees the interests of sport, leisure and cultural trusts has said that any increases in the rates they pay could force some facilities to the wall, and has urged Scottish Government Ministers not to implement the suggestion.

The recommendation to remove the rates relief is contained in the Barclay Report on non-domestic rates released earlier this week.

Many local authorities have transformed their leisure and cultural services into charitable trusts, which would face larger bills if the advice gets official approval.

Robin Strang, Chairman of Sporta Scotland, said that such a decision could have a "significant" impact on many Scots' physical and mental wellbeing.

He said: "If the rules change and councils become liable for six and seven-figure tax bills, the only option left to councils and trusts may be to close many libraries, museums, leisure centres, pools, parks and town and community halls.

"The range of facilities and services that charitable trusts now operate on behalf of the public are not luxuries for people - these are valuable lifelines for people of all ages struggling with physical and mental health issues.

"The health of the Scottish population is a major concern and trusts are playing an increasing role in partnership with our local authorities, the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and a wide variety of bodies to turn around worrying trends. With an ageing population forecast to treble in the coming decades that remains a major challenge."

Mr Strang said that everyone from pensioners to parents, teenage girls and those with long-term physical and mental health problems could be affected.

He added: "There is a real success story growing across Scotland’s charitable trusts – which now manage over 80 percent of Scotland’s publicly-funded sport, leisure and culture services - but, if implemented, the Barclay Report’s attempt to ensure a “level playing field” with private operators will bring an axe to much of that.

"Public leisure and cultural services are generally not profitable - even the busiest swimming pool does not make a profit due to modern-day energy and staffing costs - but the small profits trusts can gain from running gyms or cafes are invested directly into maintaining those services."

Meetings are now due to take place between Sporta Scotland Officials and the Scottish Government.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “Having now received the Barclay Review, the Scottish Government will respond swiftly to its recommendations.”