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The public health risks of physical inactivity have led many national governments to develop policies that aim to increase population levels of physical activity. There is however, little evidence available about the effectiveness of such strategies and physical activity leaders may also face challenges in securing sufficient levels of political will and lasting investment for physical activity. This article reports on a review of a national physical activity strategy in Scotland after 5 years of implementation and offers lessons that may assist policymakers, practitioners and communities seeking to mobilise political commitment and leadership for physical activity in their own countries. GLOBAL RESPONSES TO PHYSICAL INACTIVITY Increasing global levels of physical inactivity are rightly described by Murray,1 to be one of the biggest challenges facing public health in the 21st century. Internationally, inactivity is estimated to cause around 21–25 % of breast and colon cancer, 27 % of diabetes and approximately 30 % of ischae-mic heart disease, with physical activity (PA) also fundamental in achieving energy balance and weight control.2 Over the past decade global institutions have called for countries to invest in PA policy develop