Tag: Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure receives funding for ASN multi-sports sessions

Edinburgh Leisure is thrilled to announce that Shared Care Scotland’s Better Breaks Fund has awarded £13,609 to support the ASN Multi-Sports sessions at Gracemount Leisure Centre for the 2025-26 period.

This marks the sixth consecutive year that Edinburgh Leisure has received funding from Shared Care Scotland, highlighting the exceptional work done by the team at Gracemount Leisure Centre (GLC) and the significant impact their support has on local families.

Shared Care Scotland funds projects across Scotland that support unpaid carers in leading full and balanced lives. Their annual Better Breaks Fund provides 12-month grants to third sector organisations to develop and deliver short breaks and services for disabled children and young people and their carers.

The ASN Multi-Sports sessions at GLC offer children and young people with various disabilities the chance to enjoy physical activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Activities include swimming, boccia, adapted ball sports, trampolining, martial arts, and gym access for older participants. These sessions aim to enrich lives through physical activity, fostering friendships, encouraging new experiences, developing life skills, building confidence and self-esteem, and most importantly, having fun.

Additionally, the ASN Multi-Sports sessions provide carers with valuable time away from their caregiving roles to focus on their own health and wellbeing. Carers can enjoy free use of the gym, complimentary tea and coffee in the on-site café, or simply leave the centre knowing their child is well cared for.

Sessions take place every Saturday morning at Edinburgh Leisure’s Gracemount Leisure Centre, which was recently awarded the UK Active Scottish Centre of the Year 2024.

Craig Cassidy, Venue Manager at Gracemount, expressed his gratitude: “A huge thank you to Shared Care Scotland’s Better Breaks Fund for another year of funding for our ASN Multi-Sports sessions.

“The benefits of an active childhood are endless, so we are absolutely delighted that the funding will enable us to continue supporting local families with disabled children to access opportunities to be active.”

A local mother, whose child benefits from the service, shared her experience: “My 9-year-old son, Archie, has Down’s Syndrome. We were delighted when we found out about ASN Multi-Sports as Archie has seen his older sisters going to sports clubs but we had struggled to find suitable opportunities for him.

“He has loved football and swimming, and it has been great to watch his confidence grow in the pool.”

Five Historic Pools, One Day: Edinburgh swimmers complete Victorian Pool Challenge

A dedicated team of swimmers from Leith Victoria Swim Centre successfully completed an ambitious challenge on Easter Monday, visiting and swimming in all five of Edinburgh Leisure’s Victorian pools in a single day to raise funds for the Active Communities programme.

The 14-member “Victorian Pool Crawlers” team swam up to one kilometre in each historic pool while walking approximately 16 kilometres between venues throughout the day. The challenge has raised over £870 to date, with donations still coming in through their JustGiving campaign.

Among the participants was 48-year-old Marek Bernat, who only learned to swim at Dalry Swim Centre in 2019. Originally from Poland, Bernat was motivated to learn after a frightening experience during a holiday in Bilbao, Spain.

“I lost my footing and tumbled down some stairs into water,” Bernat recalled. “That’s when I thought, ‘I’d better learn to swim.'” Now a regular at Leith Victoria Swim Centre’s skills and drills class, Bernat’s journey from non swimmer to Victorian Pool Crawler proves that it’s never too late to learn a new skill.

“This challenge brought together our love for swimming with Edinburgh’s incredible Victorian pool heritage,” said Alistair Clark, the group’s organiser.

“To swim in all five historic venues in one day was physically demanding, but knowing we were raising vital funds for Active Communities kept us motivated.

“The programme helps thousands of people overcome barriers to physical activity, and we’re proud to support such important work.”

Easily spotted in their day-glow, bright orange t-shirts and Edinburgh Leisure swim caps, the team attracted attention and support from other pool users throughout the day.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme works to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity by providing opportunities for people facing the greatest barriers to physical activity, including those affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty. Each year, the programme supports around 12,500 individuals.

“The determination shown by the Victorian Pool Crawlers exemplifies the community spirit that makes Edinburgh Leisure’s work possible,” said Jenny Selman, Funding Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.

“Their efforts will directly help us create more opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active, regardless of their circumstances.”

Those wishing to support the Victorian Pool Crawlers can still donate via their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/poolcrawl2025

Edinburgh Leisure is dedicated to helping people lead more active, healthy lives. With 53 sport, leisure, and school venues across the city, Edinburgh Leisure creates opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.

Bouldering Zone Opens at EICA: Ratho

The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) at Ratho has unveiled a new bouldering room designed for children and novice climbers, following the recent addition of new bouldering walls in December.

Situated in the former Tiso retail unit, this new bouldering room offers a comprehensive and progressive facility, providing additional space for junior and adult coaching. It also serves as a warm, welcoming area for casual climbers, members, and coaching clients during the winter months.

The child-friendly environment is perfect for those transitioning from Scrambles soft play and Clip ‘n Climb. Additionally, it will function as an ‘isolation’ zone during regional, national, and international competitions and training camps.

These two new developments—the bouldering walls and the dedicated bouldering room—allow EICA to meet the growing demand for climbing facilities. They provide entry routes for complete beginners and enhance coaching pathways up to the highest levels of world-class competition.

Nic Crawshaw, Climbing Operations Manager at EICA: Ratho, commented: “It’s been a privilege to see this project come to fruition, offering even more opportunities for climbers to push their limits and refine their skills.

“The new developments enable us to expand our world-class indoor climbing facilities for people of all ages and stages, while staying up-to-date with the latest trends. Sport climbing includes three Olympic disciplines – Lead, Speed, and Boulder—and the improved facilities make EICA the only venue with international standard walls for all three disciplines, and one of only a few worldwide.”

Indoor bouldering has become the most widely practiced form of climbing. As the sport has grown in popularity and become an Olympic event, the accessibility and low barriers to participation have led to a surge in the number of bouldering walls globally.

Jamie Smith, Development Manager at Climb Scotland said: “It is fantastic to see this phase of EICA bouldering offer now open to the public.

“This is a great addition to the venue, providing a great first stepping stone in the pathway, introducing new people to our sport, in an inclusive space and environment.

“This space will naturally complement the new arena boulders by offering progression at a grassroots level, feeding into the more challenging terrain and grading found on the arena boulders.

“We are also excited to utilise the new boulders in our forthcoming Scottish Boulder Championships on the 26-27 April, which historically has attracted over 230 competitors from across the UK and internationally.

“The boulder room will likely function as a fantastic warm up area and/or isolation, whilst the main competition takes place on the new world class boulders in the arena.

“We look forward to working with the team at EICA in also attracting potential international competitions and events in the future, along hosting training for our development and national squads, supporting the performance pathway in Scotland for up-and-coming talented climbers.”

The boulders, crafted by leading climbing wall manufacturer Dreamwall in Sofia, Bulgaria, arrived at EICA in October, accompanied by their expert construction team. The holds, macros, and volumes are from the exciting brands in the Serious Climbing stable, which were prominently featured at the Olympics and the IFSC World Cup series.

The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena received £100,000 towards the bouldering redevelopment to enhance opportunities for climbers at all levels. This funding was made possible by sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund and National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK.

As the UK’s largest climbing gym and the only international competition venue, EICA has hosted European Championships and World Cup events for Lead and Speed in recent years. The upgraded bouldering facilities now enable it to host all three IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) and Olympic disciplines.

For further information and to join:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/climbing/

Edinburgh Leisure to host citywide Danceathon at Meadowbank

A Celebration of Movement and Fun

Bookings go live today for a Danceathon as Edinburgh Leisure get set to transform Meadowbank Sports Centre into a vibrant dance destination on Saturday, 19th April, inviting everyone to experience the joy of dance.

Event Highlights

Date: Saturday, 19th April

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road, EH7 6AE

Pricing:

  • Free for Edinburgh Leisure members
  • £12.50 per class for non-members

The Danceathon builds on the momentum of the national “Let’s Dance” initiative, championed by Angela Rippon CBE, which launched last month, aiming to inspire more people to discover the incredible physical and social benefits of dancing.

“Dancing is more than just exercise – it’s a celebration of movement, music, and community,” says Alex Smith, Fitness Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.

“Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, we have a class that will get you moving and smiling.”

Dance Styles for Every Taste

Participants can explore a diverse range of dance classes, including:

  • Musical Theatre Fitness: A Musical Theatre themed dance cardio fitness workout
  • Dance Fitness: Combining dancing and cardio, you’ll burn calories, tone muscles, and boost your mood.
  • Konga: Boxing, Cardio, Dance and Sculpting set to the hottest beats
  • Get Low: A beat-driven low impact workout to ignite your mind, move your body & improve your wellbeing.
  • Bodyjam: High-energy hip hop and chart music
  • Zumba: Lively, upbeat Latin-inspired fitness

What to Wear:

  • Comfortable, flexible clothing
  • Dancing shoes or appropriate fitness footwear
  • A positive attitude and willingness to have fun.

Book Your Spot Now

Spaces are limited, so secure your place quickly:

Don’t miss this opportunity to dance, connect, and get fit in one exciting event!

Edinburgh Leisure makes waves in supporting customers with Functional Neurological Disorder

As FND National Awareness Day (March 25th) approaches, Edinburgh Leisure highlights its commitment to creating accessible and inclusive facilities for those living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a complex neurological condition that affects brain functioning.

Edinburgh Leisure’s dedication is exemplified through the story of Ruth Desire, a 56-year-old care assistant whose life was transformed when she found her “happy place” in Edinburgh Leisure’s swimming pools after being diagnosed with FND following a fall in 2008.

“Learning to expect the unexpected has become my mantra,” says Ruth, who experiences a range of challenging symptoms including drop attacks, mobility issues, dissociative seizures, and visual disturbances.

“Before my diagnosis, I enjoyed cycling and swimming. While cycling is no longer possible for me, Edinburgh Leisure has helped me stay active in other ways.”

Tailored Support Making a Difference

Edinburgh Leisure’s approach to supporting customers with complex needs like FND demonstrates how small accommodations can make significant impacts. For Ruth, these include:

  • Dimming lights around pool areas to prevent seizure triggers
  • Access to disabled facilities with emergency alarms for safety
  • Adaptive class environments with modified lighting
  • Staff trained to recognise and respond to FND episodes

Ruth attends aquafit classes 4-5 times weekly across multiple Edinburgh Leisure venues including Dalry, Ainslie Park, Leith Victoria, Portobello Baths, and Meadowbank Sports Centre, describing how “aquafit helps loosen my joints, which is beneficial for the muscle aches caused by FND-related spasms.”

Staff Going Above and Beyond

The organisation’s commitment extends beyond facility adaptations to include compassionate staff who understand the variable nature of FND.

Kate Cramb, Operations Manager at Portobello Swim Centre said: “We’re proud of our team members who have taken the time to understand Ruth’s condition and provide personalised support. Our goal is for everyone to feel welcome and safe while enjoying the physical and mental benefits of staying active.”

Ruth particularly acknowledges several staff members who have been instrumental in her journey, including Maggie (LA), Robbie (Supervisor), and Val (Coach) at Portobello; Emma, who coaches both Aquafit at Portobello and Active Life classes at Meadowbank and is particularly vigilant, having witnessed Ruth’s FND in various forms; and Susan McIntosh (Leisure Attendant), Stuart Cavers (Supervisor) and all the staff at Leith Victoria Swim Centre who have assisted Ruth with various FND episodes.

FND Awareness Day – March 25th

Functional Neurological Disorder is a brain network disorder that can affect anyone of any age. Despite its prevalence, with neurologists seeing cases frequently in their clinics, there remains limited awareness and knowledge about the condition.

FND National Awareness Day on March 25th provides an opportunity for communities to unite as #Voices4FND to influence positive change. The day highlights the urgent need for accessible specialist care for those diagnosed with FND, many of whom are currently left to navigate their condition without adequate support.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Healthy Active Minds programme, which provided Ruth with a specialised membership following her GP referral for stress, anxiety, and depression, exemplifies how targeted health initiatives can significantly improve quality of life for those with complex conditions.

About Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active, and achieve more. With facilities across the city, the organisation is committed to inclusive programming that benefits the physical and mental wellbeing of all Edinburgh residents.

Further Information

For more information about FND, visit www.fndaction.org.uk or www.neurosymptoms.org.

For details about Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities Programmes, visit https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/active-communities

Edinburgh Student’s Sweet Fundraising Push for London Marathon Challenge

Edinburgh University student and lifeguard Alexandra Ogilvie is heating up her marathon fundraising efforts with a community bake sale at Leith Victoria Swim Centre on February 22nd, 2025.

The event marks a key milestone in her journey to raise £2,000 for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme ahead of her London Marathon debut.

Alexandra, who balances her mathematics studies with lifeguarding duties, will be showcasing her baking talents with an array of homemade treats, including her signature cheesecakes and cupcakes. Local businesses have also stepped up to support the cause, contributing to what promises to be an impressive spread of baked goods.

“This will be my very first marathon, and I couldn’t be more excited to take on one of the world’s most iconic running events,” says Alexandra, who won Edinburgh Leisure’s coveted 2025 TCS London Marathon slot.

“Running a marathon has always been a dream of mine to accomplish before turning 20, and now I have the incredible honour of representing Edinburgh Leisure on this global stage.”

The funds raised will support Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which helps over 12,500 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty access physical activity and sport each year. As both a student and lifeguard, Alexandra has witnessed firsthand the programme’s impact on the community.

“Each year, Edinburgh Leisure relies on fundraising to support its work,” Alexandra explains.

“With rising costs and increasing demand, your support has never been more important. Every penny raised will go towards helping the most vulnerable in our community live healthier and happier lives.”

The bake sale will take place during regular operating hours at Leith Victoria Swim Centre, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to indulge in some sweet treats and perhaps work them off with a swim or workout afterward.

To support Alexandra’s marathon journey and donate to her fundraising total, visit: Fundraising Link

Find out more about Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme – www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/active-communities.

Event Details:

Date: February 22nd, 2025

Location: Leith Victoria Swim Centre

Time: From 10am

Teeing up history at Silverknowes

Edinburgh Leisure scores Heritage Grant

Edinburgh Leisure has secured a £500 grant from the Sporting Heritage Grants Programme, made possible by the players of the National Lottery and Heritage Fund to celebrate the city’s remarkable golfing legacy. 

Working alongside their golf team, this exciting project will shine a spotlight on the rich history of Edinburgh’s six golf courses, tracing the sport’s roots from its 15th-century origins at Leith Links through to the prestigious Dispatch Trophy, which celebrates the 125th anniversary of being played. 

Silverknowes Golf Course will host an exhibition bringing together a fascinating collection of golfing treasures.

Visitors can expect to discover historical artifacts from local clubs, pore over archival photographs and documents, and dive into the personal stories of club members that have shaped the golfing community over the generations.

Rohan Craig, Golf Supervisor at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Our golf heritage exhibition will be looking to transcend traditional sporting narratives by uncovering overlooked community stories and creating inclusive pathways to engagement. By positioning golf as more than a sport – but a social and cultural touchstone – we’re hoping to attract non-traditional audiences.

“We’ll be reaching out to the various clubs that use our courses, in the hope that they can contribute physical memorabilia and archival materials, historical object and photographs and encourage anyone with interesting memorabilia to get in touch.”

This initiative, part of Sporting Heritage’s UK-wide programme celebrating local sporting history, promises to be a hole-in-one for golf enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The exhibition will complement Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 exhibition, coming soon, which will be displayed at the Braids Golf Course for the 125th year of the Dispatch Trophy in May 2025.

Keep up with the project’s progress by following @sportinghistory.

Jumpstart Your Child’s Fitness Journey

Edinburgh Leisure’s Taster Week for Under 5s

Encourage your pre-school child to get active from an early age by signing up for Play & Try coached activities. As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, Edinburgh Leisure is well-placed to encourage your child to reach their full potential, help them build confidence, learn skills, and meet friends.

Edinburgh Leisure is offering a taster week from 17th February – 21st February where new and existing customers can come and try coached activities for under 5s for £3.00 per session.

Tailored for little ones, from babies to pre-schoolers, these fun and engaging sessions are all about having a blast while exploring the first steps into various sports.

Classes include Gym and Jump, Gym Nippers, Swim Baby, Swim Nippers, Swim Toddler, Jump & Dive Skills, Jump Into Sport, Football Mini Kickers and Kick Starters.

Sessions will be offered at Ainslie Park, Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Kirkliston Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Warrender Swim Centre and are suitable for babies and toddlers.

For those that loved the taster sessions, parents can sign up their child/children for a coaching course at the venue on the same day, with the February fee waived.*

Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. And it’s never too early to start.

Book your spot today for just £3.00 per session:

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/under5s-sports-tasters

Make a Splash: Edinburgh’s diving programme expanded

From Olympic aspirations to first-time divers, Edinburgh Leisure is expanding its prestigious diving programme at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. With 120 new spaces available from February 22nd, this marks an exciting return to pre-pandemic capacity and beyond.

The ‘Commie Pool’ stands as the east of Scotland’s crown jewel for diving excellence, featuring world-class facilities that include multiple springboards, platforms reaching up to 10m, and a state-of-the-art dry land training area.

The comprehensive facility offers everything from trampolines and tumble racks to specialised diving boards with crash mats – all designed to build confidence and perfect technique safely.

“Our expanded programme opens doors for everyone, from age 3 to Masters level,” says Vicki Tomlinson, dive co-ordinator and GB judge at Paris 2024. “Whether you’re seeking a new challenge or dreaming of following in the footsteps of British diving stars like Jack Laugher and Grace Reid or Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, our world-class coaching team is here to guide you.”

The expansion includes:

  • 70 additional junior spaces across all skill levels
  • 50 new weekday spaces in Dive Skills 1
  • Enhanced pre-school programme with convenient Wednesday and Friday sessions
  • Expanded Masters’ class availability

Leading the programme’s evolution is Adam Smallwood, the newly appointed Performance Lead Coach, whose impressive track record includes coaching British diving elite. This appointment strengthens the valuable partnership between The University of Edinburgh, Aquatics GB, Scottish Swimming and Edinburgh Leisure, positioning Edinburgh as a powerhouse for developing future diving talents.

The Royal Commonwealth Pool’s legacy includes hosting prestigious events such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships. And, this same Olympic-standard facility is accessible to the local community, with flexible public diving sessions available without pre-booking.

Experience the thrill of diving in a facility that has launched countless careers and created countless memories. Whether you’re 5 or 50, the expanded programme has a place for you.

Ready to take the plunge?

Visit https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching-courses/diving to secure your spot in Edinburgh’s premier diving programme.

Lord Provost Celebrates Gracemount’s National Award-Winning Success

Edinburgh’s Gracemount Leisure Centre, recently named Scotland’s Centre of the Year at the prestigious ukactive awards, welcomed the Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge last week to recognise their outstanding achievement in community fitness and wellbeing.

The Edinburgh Leisure centre which has seen a remarkable 14% increase in visits between 2022 and 2023, received the distinguished visitor for a comprehensive tour led by Managers Craig Cassidy and Jen Murray. The visit highlighted the facility’s exceptional contribution to community health and inclusion.

“We’re so much more than just a gym or a swimming pool – it’s a friendly and bustling community hub at the heart of the local area,” said Craig Cassidy, Manager at Gracemount Leisure Centre.

“With staff who go out of their way to make customers feel at home, it’s somewhere people feel inspired and empowered to live happy, healthy and active lives.”

The centre’s recent success is attributed to several key initiatives:

  • A major gym refurbishment featuring new Life Fitness equipment, leading to a dramatic increase in class participation from 226 to 706 customers monthly
  • Development of an extensive Additional Support Needs (ASN) programme, including multi-sports activities, and specialised family swimming sessions which supports over 100 families, giving parents and children the opportunity to get active together in a supportive environment.
  • Implementation of their Active Communities programme, providing access to hundreds of people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequality, and poverty. Working alongside community partners, such as health professionals and social workers, projects such as Steady Steps for people at risk of a fall; Open All Hours, which gives local young people free access to fun diversionary activities on a Friday night; and Looked After & Active for care experienced children and young people make an active life more accessible for local people who face barriers to participation.
  • Investment in staff development and wellbeing, resulting in exceptional customer service scores of 9.5/10

The ukactive awards, open to all UK fitness facilities from independent studios to national chains and leisure trusts, recognised Gracemount’s outstanding commitment to meeting community needs through a rigorous assessment process including written submissions, customer surveys, mystery shopping, and digital reviews.

Gracemount’s success is further evidenced by its above-industry-average member retention rate of 14.4 months, demonstrating its vital role in promoting sustained community health and wellness.