Edinburgh Leisure has reopened the refurbished leisure facilities at Wester Hailes High School today, Thursday 1 October, giving people in the surrounding area increased local access to sport, leisure and wellbeing.
Delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of its wider investment in the community campus, the refurbishment has improved a valued local facility and expanded access through a seven-day programme of gym, swimming and fitness activities.
The needs of local residents have been at the heart of the redevelopment, with improvements focused on activity spaces, inclusivity and the overall customer experience.
The swimming pool offers lane swimming, diving and family sessions, with daytime access now also available to the fitness suite and new general-purpose studio.
The fitness suite includes 30 cardio and resistance workout stations in a bright, open environment, while the studio hosts an expanded programme of classes, including Kettlecise, Pilates and Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities activities, and is also available for group hire.
The venue is also more accessible and inclusive, with improvements including modern changing accommodation, step-free access throughout, a Changing Places facility and a state-of-the-art pool pod to support easier entry to the water.
The refurbishment forms part of the wider City of Edinburgh Council project to deliver a new Passivhaus-standard secondary school adjacent to the existing site, which is due to open later this year.
David McGlade, Head of Operations (Schools) at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“We’re delighted to welcome the community to a modern, accessible leisure facility in the heart of Wester Hailes. The investment has created brighter activity spaces, upgraded changing accommodation and a wider range of opportunities for people to be active close to home.
“Alongside our gym, swimming and fitness offer, we’re particularly excited to expand our Active Communities programme, helping people of all ages overcome barriers to being active and supporting healthier, more active lives.
“We hope these improvements will help even more local people enjoy being active and build on the facilitiy’s place at the heart of the community.”
Cllr James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said:“It is fantastic to see the opening of this new facility that will provide more opportunities for the local community to be active and try new sports.
“This state-of-the-art leisure centre is not just for the school, but for the whole community to use and enjoy. It is open seven days a week, with a modern gym, swimming pool and range of sport classes, Wester Hailes High School will make keeping active and developing new skills easier than ever.”
Here’s more information from Ainslie Park Leisure Centre relating to their customers which may be of use:
• There will be no access to our car park Monday 5th October- Friday 9th October 2026
• Please allow extra travel time and consider leaving earlier than usual to ensure you arrive on time for your class or activity.
• Free on-street parking is available on Pilton Drive, directly opposite Ainslie Park.
• Accessible parking spaces are available for customers with disabilities. A valid Blue Badge must be clearly displayed. Due to limited availability, customers without a Blue Badge may be asked to move their vehicle.
• Taxi and vehicle drop-off/pick-up facilities are available for customers with mobility impairments near the entrance.
Community challenge shortlisted after raising over £45,000 to help older adults and people living with dementia stay active and connected.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Victorian Pool Crawl has been recognised as a finalist in the Best Use of Event or Community Fundraising Initiative category at the Scottish Fundraising Awards 2026, celebrating a community challenge that turned one memorable day of swimming and walking into lasting support for people across the capital.
The recognition comes as entries open for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl, inviting a new group of participants to take on the city-wide challenge and raise money for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.
In April 2026, 61 swimmers completed the challenge, walking 16 kilometres through the city and swimming a total of five kilometres across Dalry, Warrender, Glenogle, Leith Victoria and Portobello Victorian pools.
Together with sponsors and supporters, they raised over £40,000 for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.
The funds are helping people across Edinburgh stay active, build confidence and connect with others. Of the total raised, £22,000 was allocated to Ageing Well, helping older adults maintain their independence and wellbeing, and £22,000 to Movement for Memories, which works with people living with dementia or early-stage memory loss, as well as their carers. The remainder is supporting other Active Communities projects where it is needed most.
For 98-year-old June, Ageing Well helped her return to swimming after many years away from the pool. With the reassurance of an Ageing Well buddy volunteer, she now attends twice a week and has regained her confidence in the water.
June said:“I’ve really missed swimming, so I was excited to get back in the water. The water frees you up – you can move in ways you can’t on land.”
Rachael McCrea, Head of Fundraising at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“We are proud to see the Victorian Pool Crawl recognised alongside such strong fundraising initiatives from across Scotland. This recognition belongs to everyone who made the event possible – from the swimmers and volunteers to the sponsors, donors, partners and colleagues who brought so much energy to the day.
“What matters most is what their efforts have made possible. The money raised is helping people like June return to activities they love, grow in confidence and connect with others. We hope this recognition inspires more people to join us in 2027 and help create more opportunities for people across Edinburgh to be active.”
The Victorian Pool Crawl began in 2025 as an idea from a regular swimmer at Leith Victoria Swim Centre. It has since grown into an Edinburgh-wide community fundraiser celebrating the city’s Victorian swimming heritage while raising money to help people overcome barriers to being active.
Sign Up for 2027
Entries for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl are now open.
Participants will walk 16km and swim up to 1km in all five of Edinburgh Leisure’s historic Victorian pools, all in a single day, while fundraising for Active Communities.
A third of men quit the gym after prostate cancer treatment – the initiative will support them back into good physical and mental health
Leisure Trust becomes first group to roll out bins across every site
Edinburgh Leisure has achieved the Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation by introducing dedicated male incontinence bins and product dispensers across its venues.
It is the first leisure trust in Scotland to roll out male sanitary bins and products across all its sites. Its commitment also means it provides more sanitary bins than any other organisation in the area, helping men affected by prostate cancer treatment and urinary incontinence.
Developed by phs and Prostate Cancer UK through the Dispose with Dignity initiative, the BOG STANDARD encourages organisations to provide appropriate facilities for men living with urinary incontinence.
One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and your risk doubles to one in four if you’re Black, but it can be curable if found early. As many as 60% of men who have a radical prostatectomy [surgical removal of the whole prostate and the prostate cancer cells inside it] may experience urinary incontinence1. But suitable disposal facilities in public male toilets remain limited.
Almost a third of men (29%) said they stopped going to the gym because of their incontinence and lack of sanitary bins. Almost two thirds of men (59%) have said missing out on everyday moments like this has negatively affected their mental health.2
Edinburgh Leisure welcomes more than 6 million customer visits each year across venues throughout the city. The new facilities will help ensure that men living with incontinence can use Edinburgh Leisure venues with greater confidence.
Edinburgh Leisure has installed 292 dedicated incontinence bins and 292 product dispensers across 26 venues, helping men dispose of incontinence products discreetly and hygienically. This means Edinburgh Leisure is providing more bins for its customers than any other organisation in the area.
By supporting men and implementing these measures, Edinburgh Leisure has signed up to The BOG STANDARD- the minimum standards Prostate Cancer UK and hygiene services provider phs Group is asking organisations to implement to cater for men with incontinence.
Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation recognises organisations that provide dedicated disposal bins and incontinence disposal bags and commit to raising awareness of prostate cancer and urinary incontinence.
Perrotine Orr, director of operations at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Everyone should feel confident and welcome when using our venues. For men living with incontinence, access to the right facilities can make an important difference to whether they feel able to take part in everyday activities.
“By introducing dedicated disposal bags and bins, we hope more men will feel comfortable getting active or continuing to be active. We are proud to achieve Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation and to support greater awareness of prostate cancer and urinary incontinence.”
The BOG STANDARD Charter was developed by the Dispose with Dignity initiative, which aims to give men the confidence to go about their daily lives, free from the anxiety of having nowhere to change and dispose of their incontinence pads in public toilets. phs is the only hygiene provider that offers bins designed specifically for male incontinence products, which have been developed with Prostate Cancer UK supporters.
Matthew Brabin, CEO of phs said: “At a time when men need to be supported by businesses and workplaces, perhaps after receiving prostate cancer treatment, too many men are too anxious to leave the house, because the right facilities aren’t there for them.
“Whether it’s going to work, a conference, to their local sports club or even to the local for a pint, when there are no sanitary bins, men with incontinence are staying at home, when they should be with us. This is what our Dispose with Dignity initiative is trying to change, and we’re so pleased to see Edinburgh Leisure join the fight by signing up to The BOG STANDARD Charter.”
phs is the UK, Ireland and Spain’s leading hygiene services provider, and has been working with Prostate Cancer UK, the leading men’s health charity since 2023, to campaign for better facilities for men with incontinence as a part of their Dispose with Dignity initiative.
Prostate Cancer UK is the largest public funder of prostate cancer research in the UK, and has invested over £130 million into research that has made diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer safer and more accurate than ever before.
The charity has also helped tens of thousands of men campaign for change, sharing their stories to influence policymakers, and advocating to fight health inequalities, raise lifesaving awareness, and improve access to treatments and support that improve men’s lives and create a brighter future for men living with and after the most common cancer in the UK; prostate cancer.
Nick Ridgman, head of support services at Prostate Cancer UK, said:“Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically – but often these bins are nowhere to be found in men’s loos. It’s causing men stress and shame and keeping them from going to work and doing the things they love.
“Edinburgh Leisure is now more welcoming and accessible for every customer and we hope other organisations will follow. We wholeheartedly support the Dispose with Dignity initiative and hope to see the UK Government supporting our call to change HSE guidance. This is the only way we can ensure men will have access to a male sanitary bin if they’re using toilets in public spaces.
“Prostate Cancer UK is here for every man who’s navigating prostate cancer. If you need any support or information, you can talk to our Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383 or via our website.”
For more information about The BOG STANDARD please visit:
Edinburgh Leisure has released it’s latest Impact Report.
Edinburgh Leisure Chief Executive Jen Holland said: “I am delighted to share Edinburgh Leisure’s Impact Report for 2025–26, a story of progress, resilience and people working together to help Edinburgh be active and well.
“This year’s report marks an important turning point, with stronger financial foundations, growing participation and continued investment in places and programmes that help more people feel active, included and connected.
“From expanding health and wellbeing programmes such as Balanced Life, to widening access through community facilities, subsidised provision and inclusive opportunities for people facing barriers, our work continues to support a healthier, happier and more active Edinburgh for everyone.
“One of this year’s Victorian Pool Crawl participants, Eileen Ingram, summed up that purpose when she told us: “I think it’s important for everyone, regardless of wealth, health or age, to be able to have access to facilities to enable them to live an active life. Regular exercise is really important for improving all aspects of our life.”
“Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.
“I hope you enjoy reading the report and celebrating what we continue to achieve together for Edinburgh and its people.”
Edinburgh Leisure has published an Impact Report for 2025 – 26.
Chief Executive Jen Holland said: “I am delighted to share Edinburgh Leisure’s Impact Report for 2025–26, a story of progress, resilience and people working together to help Edinburgh be active and well.
“This year’s report marks an important turning point, with stronger financial foundations, growing participation and continued investment in places and programmes that help more people feel active, included and connected.
From expanding health and wellbeing programmes such as Balanced Life, to widening access through community facilities, subsidised provision and inclusive opportunities for people facing barriers, our work continues to support a healthier, happier and more active Edinburgh for everyone.
“One of this year’s Victorian Pool Crawl participants, Eileen Ingram, summed up that purpose when she told us: “I think it’s important for everyone, regardless of wealth, health or age, to be able to have access to facilities to enable them to live an active life. Regular exercise is really important for improving all aspects of our life.”
“Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. I hope you enjoy reading the report and celebrating what we continue to achieve together for Edinburgh and its people.”
Children and young people aged three to 26 will be able to take part in a range of free and low-cost activities thanks to funding from the Summer of Sport initiative in partnership with sportscotland.
Inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the programme aims to encourage more children and young people to get active, try new sports and enjoy the physical, social, and mental wellbeing benefits of participation.
Delivered by the Council, Edinburgh Leisure, the University of Edinburgh, local sports clubs and community organisations, the funding supports free and subsidised holiday and regular activities that began during the summer holidays and are taking place until the end of March 2027.
This includes swimming, tennis, football, rugby and opportunities for children and young people with additional support needs. It will also expand community sport programmes, provide more opportunities in areas experiencing higher levels of poverty, and support young people who are care experienced, unaccompanied, or learning English.
Investment will also help develop the city’s sport and physical activity workforce through new coaching opportunities, qualifications, and training. The investment includes a £170,000 grant for local sports clubs and community organisations to deliver activities for young people at greater risk of poverty.
Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people to get active, try something new like lawn bowling or cricket and enjoy the benefits of taking part in sport.
“Through the Summer of Sport programme, we’re working with partners across Edinburgh to provide more free and affordable opportunities that are inclusive, accessible, and shaped around the needs of local communities.
“This investment will help more young people take part in sport, while also strengthening local partnerships, developing skills and creating a lasting legacy beyond the summer.”
Cllr James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to be active, build confidence and develop new skills, and cost shouldn’t be a barrier to that.
“By working with schools, community organisations, and sports clubs across Edinburgh, we’re creating more opportunities for children and young people to stay active, make new friends and discover sports they can continue to enjoy for years to come.”
Perrotine Orr, Operations Director of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This investment is helping us create more opportunities for children and young people across Edinburgh to take part in sport and physical activity, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“We have already seen strong engagement throughout the summer, and the real opportunity now is to build on that momentum over the coming months.
“By continuing to provide free and affordable activities until March 2027, we can help more young people develop confidence, make connections, improve their wellbeing and establish healthy habits that last a lifetime.”
EDINBURGH Leisurecan confirm that, due to late unforeseen circumstances, the reopening of Wester Hailes High School will be delayed.
The previous information issued regarding the reopening date is no longer correct and should be disregarded.
Edinburgh Leisure had previously announced that refurbished leisure facilities at the school would reopen Tuesday 1 September, giving people in the surrounding area increased local access to sport, leisure and wellbeing.
Delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of its wider investment in the community campus, the refurbishment will improve a valued local facility and provide expanded access through a seven-day programme of gym, swimming and fitness activities.
The refurbishment forms part of the wider City of Edinburgh Council project to deliver a new Passivhaus-standard secondary school adjacent to the existing site, which is due to open later this year.
Liberton residents can now enjoy access to a brand-new pay-as-you-go gym right in the heart of the community
This week, Edinburgh Leisure launched public access to the new Liberton High School gym, a fully equipped fitness studio complete with modern exercise machines, squat racks, free-weight areas and stretching spaces.
The pay-as-you-go gym is open during evenings and weekends, providing flexible access for residents who want to improve their fitness without committing to a long-term membership. For just £6.50 per session, gym-goers can benefit from high-quality fitness equipment in a welcoming, inclusive gym environment within their local community.
The opening marks a significant milestone for Edinburgh Leisure, with 2026 marking ten years since the leisure trust acquired responsibility for community access to the city’s high schools. This partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council has helped open up school sports facilities for thousands of people across Edinburgh.
Reflecting on the success of this agreement, Edinburgh Leisure Schools Manager Jimmy Livingstone said: “Over the past ten years we have worked closely with the City of Edinburgh Council to make school facilities available to local communities outside school hours, creating more opportunities for people to be active where they live.
“We’re delighted to add the new gym at Liberton Community Campus to this portfolio, giving residents access to a high-quality fitness facility on their doorstep.”
Developed by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of its Living Well Locally strategy, Liberton’s new Community Campus is designed to provide residents with convenient access to essential services and amenities within a short walk, wheel or cycle from home.
The new campus brings Liberton High School together with a new gym, a public library, a café and an NHS GP practice in an accessible community hub in the centre of Liberton. Information on when the other community facilities within the building will be ready for use will be published soon.
In addition, the facility has been built to Passivhaus standards in line with Edinburgh Leisure and the council’s respective Net Zero strategies.
Children, Education and Families Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor James Dalgleish, said: “Liberton Community Campus is a lifelong learning and sports hub that will bring together education, public services and local amenities in one accessible place, from the new Gym to a Community Library to an NHS GP Surgery.
“This reflects our ‘Living Well Locally’ strategy, ensuring local services are co located where people need them most.
“Our aim is simple: to put local people at the heart of this campus, giving everyone the opportunity to learn, participate and thrive. I’m delighted that this exceptional new building will help to bring more local people in the community together, and we’re looking forward to announcing more about the other new community facilities soon.”
With affordable pricing and no membership commitment, the new gym gives Liberton residents greater access to high-quality fitness opportunities close to home, supporting healthier and more active lifestyles within the local community.
Talented local athletes can apply for free access to Edinburgh Leisure facilities to support their training and development
Following an inspiring summer of sport and the excitement of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging talented athletes across the capital to apply for the Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme (ETASS), which provides free access to facilities to support their training, recovery and development.
Delivered annually in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, National Governing Bodies of Sport and the Scottish Institute of Sport Network (SISN), ETASS helps reduce some of the practical barriers linked to performance sport.
Applications for the 2026/27 intake are now open and available until the 31 August.
Packed arenas, standout performances and stories of determination at this year’s Commonwealth Games highlighted the positive role sport can play in people’s lives. Edinburgh Leisure hopes that energy will encourage more talented athletes in Edinburgh to pursue their ambitions, with ETASS helping to make the facilities needed to train, recover and develop more accessible.
Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“Watching athletes compete on a major stage can be incredibly inspiring, especially for young people and emerging athletes who see what is possible through hard work, support and opportunity.
“The Commonwealth Games may have come to an end, but the impact they leave behind can last much longer. Through ETASS, we want to help talented athletes across Edinburgh take the next step by giving them access to facilities that can make a real difference to their development.”
Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Margaret Graham said:“This is a fantastic opportunity for young and aspiring athletes to develop their skills in Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city.
“The Commonwealth Games will no doubt have been a source of inspiration, in particular Edinburgh’s own gold medal-winner and record holder Josh Kerr.
“By nurturing emerging talent like this the Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme is helping to encourage the Capital’s next generation of sporting stars.”
Successful applicants will be able to use Edinburgh Leisure gyms, swimming pools and athletics tracks to support key areas of their training, including strength and conditioning, endurance work, recovery and rehabilitation.
Athletes interested in applying can find full details, eligibility criteria and application information on the Edinburgh Leisure website.
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