English Chess Forum

However, from £1million in recent UK government funding for chess, sadly Chess Scotland received £zero, hence this public appeal.

To what extent in the funding process did Chess Scotland lobby for fund allocation?

Did they meet with the right people and make the right case?

John, various people have met (and continue to meet) with all levels of politician.
There is an active chess playing MSP (Conservative) and the leader of the Labour party played as a junior.
As an example of the frustration that can be encountered I was seeking money from Glasgow. I met with someone from Leisure who was sympathetic but not in their remit so try Culture. Same result but this time I was told to try Education. I did, to be met with "Sorry, try Leisure". I may have the order wrong but it was pass the parcel. I admit I gave up at that point.
Local clubs have been able to get funding and we did get lottery support when we ran the Commonwealth Championships but that was because it was "The Year of the Returning Scot" and we managed to use that hook.

We keep trying and have someone talking with several politicians at the moment. Basically there are not enough votes to be gained in supporting chess.

At the risk of sounding combative (when I'm not trying to be) what was it that the ECF (and I assume we are to thank MBP) did so well to achieve the funding that they did compared with what CS did or did not do?

I guess that MBP already had a bunch of nicely maturing contacts and connections within the ear shot of the funding body and presumably did not feel compelled to act on behalf of the WCU, UCU and CS, merely the ECF. Is this assessment in any way accurate? As usual, happy to be proved wrong.

My understanding is there are couple of significant differences between the ECF and Chess Scotland and other federations.

The first is that the UK Government only funds organisations in England through the DCMS since funding is devolved to national bodies in the other countries of the UK.

The second is that the funding Chess Scotland is trying to match is something that the ECF pays for through it compulsory membership scheme. The DCMS grant is relevant in the sponsorship of players but Malcolm has been relatively combative that membership has to continue to pay for the things it paid for before DCMS money was available.

Is it correct to say all the money went to England and none to Scotland?

YES!!

It was given in a way not covered by the Barnett formula. All CS seems to get from MSPs approached is sympathy!!

Has CS Scotland officially approached Stephen Flynn MP?

He is very keen to demonstrate things are much better north of Adrians Wall.

He is very good at becoming angry in Parliament and on Politics Live

His predecessor certainly was but not sure about him. Trouble is that SNP in Westminster will not go against SNP in Holyrood. At the moment Holyrood is in procrastination mode until the elections in a couple of months.

Is it about: we are going nowhere here -just throw some money at it!

MJMcCready wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 14, 2026 2:49 am

Is it about: we are going nowhere here -just throw some money at it!

I think it's more that they have some very talented young players and funding would be of great help to them.