Tag: Edinburgh Leisure

£857,000 investment creates sport and physical activity opportunities for Edinburgh’s young 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.”

Further information about activities and how to take part will be available on the Council website and the Edinburgh Leisure website.

Edinburgh Leisure announces delay to reopening of upgraded facilities at Wester Hailes High School

EDINBURGH Leisure can 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.

Edinburgh Leisure announces new pay-as-you-go gym in Liberton

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.

Find out more on the Edinburgh Leisure website.

Edinburgh Leisure opens applications for Talented Athlete Support Scheme

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.

To learn more and apply, visit: Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme

Next steps set out for Portobello Swim Centre refurbishment following strong public support

Edinburgh Leisure has set out the next steps in the refurbishment of Portobello Swim Centre following a major public consultation which showed overwhelming support for investment in the much-loved community facility.

The consultation, carried out independently during May and June 2026, gathered views from customers, user groups and local residents. It found that 91% of respondents support investment in the centre, while 95% recognise it as an important community asset. 

Taking this feedback into account, Edinburgh Leisure and the City of Edinburgh Council will now move forward with the next stage of design development. The design team will use the consultation findings to finalise a design for approval, with a focus on improving facilities while protecting the character, heritage and community value of the iconic building.

A design shaped by the community

The next phase of the project will focus on developing a design that reflects what customers said matters most. This includes considering:

  • How changing facilities can be upgraded to better meet customer needs
  • Improvements to layout, cleanliness, accessibility and family provision
  • The importance of retaining the building’s unique character, including its natural light and sea views

The consultation findings will now be reviewed in detail by the design team as they develop the final design for approval.

Moving into the next phase

The project will now move into further design development and approval stages, with updated designs and visuals shared with the public once the design has been progressed.

Subject to final approvals, the next steps will include:

  • Finalising a design for approval and securing the necessary consents
  • Appointing contractors
  • Confirming timelines for refurbishment works 

Edinburgh Leisure has also committed to providing regular updates throughout the project, with 95% of consultation respondents stating they wanted to be kept informed as plans progress.

Supporting customers through change

The consultation highlighted that temporary closure of the centre is the biggest concern for customers, with more than 80% indicating they would be affected by any period of closure.

Edinburgh Leisure will develop a comprehensive customer support plan ahead of the refurbishment, including access to alternative facilities, swim lesson arrangements and flexible membership options to minimise disruption wherever possible.

A long-term investment in Portobello

The refurbishment aims to ensure Portobello Swim Centre continues to serve the community for generations to come, improving the quality of facilities while maintaining the character and heritage that make it one of Edinburgh’s most valued leisure venues.

Claire Rusack, Operations Director at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their views.

“The message from the community was clear – people strongly support investment in Portobello Swim Centre, but they also want to protect the features that make it such a special place.

“The design team will now use that feedback to finalise a design for approval. This will ensure the next stage focuses on improving changing facilities, accessibility and the overall customer experience, while taking account of the natural light, sea views and heritage character that customers told us they value most. 

“Portobello Swim Centre is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic leisure facilities and this investment will help safeguard its future, ensuring it continues to support active, healthy communities for many years to come.”

A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson said: “Portobello Swim Centre is an important part of Edinburgh’s sporting and cultural heritage, and we welcome the high level of public interest in shaping its future.

“The consultation has provided clear and valuable feedback which will help inform the next stage of design development.

“We’re committed to working closely with our partners and the local community to breathe new life into this much-loved landmark space in a way that protects the building’s historic character while creating modern, high-quality facilities for future generations.”

Edinburgh Leisure launches free summer sports days for children

Children aged 5-12 can enjoy free hands-on sports sessions at Meadowbank Sports Centre and Drumbrae Leisure Centre this July

Edinburgh Leisure is inviting children across the city to get active this summer with Go for Gold Sports Days, two free events taking place at Meadowbank Sports Centre and Drumbrae Leisure Centre on 30 and 31 July.

Designed for children aged 5–12, the events will offer a range of fun, hands-on sports sessions and active challenges, giving young people the chance to try something new, build confidence and enjoy being active during the school holidays.

Go for Gold is funded by sportscotland’s Summer of Sport 2026 and forms part of a wider effort to make sport and physical activity more accessible, helping more children experience the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of being active.

Sessions will include activities inspired by Commonwealth Games sports, with Meadowbank Sports Centre bringing added sporting heritage as a former two-time Commonwealth Games host venue.

Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Go for Gold is a brilliant opportunity for children to get into the spirit of sport this summer, try something new and have fun in a welcoming environment.

“With activities inspired by Commonwealth Games sports, the events are a great way for children to enjoy being active, discover new interests and see what’s on offer at Edinburgh Leisure.”

Families can view the full list of Go for Gold events and register for free at: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/go-for-gold/

Saughton Project to Strengthen Clubs and Athletics Provision in West Edinburgh

Major upgrade to protect and enhance athletics facilities

A major improvement project at Saughton Sports Complex will help safeguard athletics provision in west Edinburgh and create a stronger future for local clubs, schools and community users.

Work to resurface the athletics track and upgrade key field facilities, ensuring the venue meets UK Athletics standards,was scheduled to begin yesterday (Monday 8 June). Funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, the investment will support the long-term future of a site that plays a vital role in the city’s athletics network.

Scottish Athletics has identified Edinburgh as one of eight priority regions in its national facilities strategy, underlining the importance of protecting and improving provision in this part of the city.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “I am delighted that we are committing major investment into transforming the athletics track and field facilities. Providing these spaces for sport and physical activity is essential for communities in the west of the city.

These upgrades will create lasting benefits for local athletes, athletics clubs, schools, and residents who rely on the venue. The project will also encourage wider participation and give more residents an opportunity to enjoy the physical, social and wellbeing benefits that being active can bring.”

Cathy Findlay, Edinburgh Leisure Sports Pitch Manager, said:“This project is vital for athletics in west Edinburgh. By improving the track and key field facilities, we are protecting an important base for local clubs, supporting athlete development at all levels, and creating more inclusive opportunities to take part.

“These improvements will help ensure Saughton continues to serve local people well for years to come.”

For Saughton’s two core athletics clubs, Corstorphine AAC and Harmeny AC, the project will secure access to a high-quality local training and competition base. Supporting around 775 athletes and delivering approximately 50 hours of activity each week, the clubs make Saughton a key part of the development pathway for athletes of all ages and abilities.

The improvements will also help clubs retain members, support growth and strengthen the venue’s ability to host accredited regional competitions.

David Arnott, President of Corstorphine AAC, said: “Saughton is entering a really positive new phase.

“Edinburgh Leisure has a clear commitment to improving the track and facilities in ways that will make a real difference to the people who use them. It feels like we are now moving forward together, and that gives us real confidence for the future.”

Craig Stewart, Board Member at Harmeny AC, said: “This investment in athletics facilities gives Harmeny AC the certainty to move forward with plans to upgrade our own equipment and facilities, as well as invest in our coaching team.

“In turn, this will allow us to welcome more young athletes to training and help reduce our waiting list.”

The project will also strengthen the inclusive reach of athletics, supporting the ongoing work of both clubs to widen participation and create welcoming environments for people from a broad range of backgrounds and abilities.

Through initiatives such as Scottish Athletics’ Club Together programme, the clubs support underrepresented groups, including people moving from inactivity into sport, disabled athletes, refugees and those living in areas of socio-economic disadvantage—helping to create accessible pathways into athletics.

Saughton’s location further enhances its role as a community hub, with strong transport links making it easily accessible to a large and diverse local population.

Overall, the project will help protect a valued athletics venue, strengthen local clubs and widen opportunities for people across Edinburgh to take part in the sport.

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to helping people lead more active, healthy lives. With 75 sport, leisure and school venues across the city, it creates opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.

Edinbuurgh Leisure: Seriously Social

From life-changing recoveries to community impact: Edinburgh Leisure showcases its role through Seriously Social campaign:

As part of the UK-wide #SeriouslySocial campaign this June, Edinburgh Leisure is showcasing how it puts people above profit every day, sharing real stories that show how community leisure transforms lives across Edinburgh.

Led by Community Leisure UK, the campaign runs from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 June and highlights the vital role charitable leisure trusts play in supporting healthier, more connected and inclusive communities across the UK.

Reflecting this shared purpose, Edinburgh Leisure will spotlight five key themes: health and wellbeing, the community, employment and skills, inclusion, and the environment. Each is brought to life through the experiences of the people and communities it supports.

Supporting a healthier, more resilient city

Edinburgh Leisure plays a key role in improving health and wellbeing across the city by reducing barriers to physical activity and creating inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities in Edinburgh, it creates opportunities for people at every stage of life to be active, connect with others and build healthier habits within their communities.

Real stories behind the impact

The Seriously Social campaign shares a series of real-life stories that demonstrate this impact in action.

One example is Jennifer, a participant in Edinburgh Leisure’s community-based falls prevention programme, Balanced Life. After a broken back and serious illness left her relying on a walker, the programme helped her rebuild strength and confidence step by step, leading to a moment that she thought she might have lost: picking up her grandchildren from school.

At Gracemount Leisure Centre, Edinburgh Leisure’s swimming and multisport sessions for children with additional support needs have transformed weekends for Danny, Andor and their families. With consistent support and tailored activities, the sessions have built confidence and created space for both participation and respite.

These are just a few examples from across the week. The campaign brings together a wider range of stories, highlighting the many ways Edinburgh Leisure supports communities, from health and wellbeing, connection and confidence to careers and environmental action.

You can explore all stories and follow the campaign at 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/seriously-social/

Leading with purpose

Jen Holland, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “What makes Edinburgh Leisure special is the impact we have on people’s everyday lives. These stories show that it’s not just about being active, it’s about rebuilding confidence, creating connections and opening up opportunities.

“Whether it’s someone regaining their independence, a young person taking their first steps into employment, or communities coming together to support each other, this is what putting people above profit really looks like using the power of sport and physical activity.

“Seriously Social is a great opportunity to highlight these moments and the impact Edinburgh Leisure makes across the city every single day.”

A sector driven by social purpose

Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK, said: “Our members serve everyone in their communities regardless of age or ability.

“They are places where arts can power mental wellbeing, physical activity can create social connections and where health programmes meet community need. Seriously Social is a campaign that focuses on our sector’s greatest USP, our social heart.

“As social enterprises and charities, they put people above profit. Reinvesting money for the betterment of society. And that is why we developed Seriously Social, to celebrate the difference they make.”

Community invited to help shape the future of Portobello Swim Centre

The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure are inviting local residents, customers, and community groups to take part in a public consultation on proposals to redevelop Portobello Swim Centre, one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive and well‑loved heritage buildings.

The consultation will give the public an opportunity to comment on proposed improvements to the Category A listed facility, including internal reconfiguration to improve layouts, accessibility, and customer experience, while protecting key heritage features such as the pools and Turkish Baths.

Feedback from the consultation will help inform the final design and investment decisions for the centre.

Since the initial draft designs were first shared through the City of Edinburgh Council tender portal, the project team has been developing the proposals further. The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure are excited to showcase how the designs have evolved in response to early feedback from local clubs and customers, ensuring community voices are helping to shape what comes next.

The proposals also include new, much‑needed public toilets with access from outside the centre, helping local residents and visitors enjoy Portobello beach and promenade with better comfort and convenience.

As part of the consultation, a series of community drop‑in sessions will be held at Portobello Town Hall, giving people the chance to view the proposals, ask questions of the project team and share their views in person.

These sessions will take place on the following dates:

  • Tuesday 26 May: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm
  • Monday 1 June: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm

An online survey will also be available for those who prefer to provide feedback digitally.

The proposal, being delivered in partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure, is intended to support the long-term future of Portobello Swim Centre and the communities it serves.

Any future refurbishment would require a temporary closure of the centre while major works are carried out, and the consultation will also explore how any impact on customers and community groups could be managed.

Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener of City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Portobello Swim Centre is a much‑loved local landmark and an important community asset.

“This consultation is a vital opportunity for residents, users and local groups to help shape proposals that balance the building’s historic character with the need for modern, accessible facilities.”

Jen Holland, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We know how important Portobello Swim Centre is to its community.

“We’re committed to listening carefully to feedback through this consultation and ensuring that any future changes reflect what matters most to customers, clubs, and local residents, while securing the long‑term sustainability of this unique facility.”

Details of the consultation, and how to take part in the online survey, will be shared on the Edinburgh Leisure website and at Portobello Swim Centre in the coming weeks.

£0 Joining Fee This May: Edinburgh Leisure encourages the capital to Keep Moving and Keep Going 

After trying new ways to move this spring, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting the city to keep going. Throughout May, new customers can join Edinburgh Leisure with a £0 joining fee, making it easier than ever to turn new routines into lasting habits.

The limited‑time offer removes a key barrier to commitment, encouraging people who have already started getting active – or are thinking about starting – to make movement part of everyday life.

The campaign follows April’s popular Spring Pass, which gave Edinburgh residents the freedom to explore gyms, pools and fitness classes without pressure. Now, the focus moves from trying things out to staying with what works.

Keep What You Started 

Whether it’s energetic gym sessions, swimming lengths, group fitness classes or a slower, wellness‑led routine, Edinburgh Leisure memberships are designed to be flexible. Members can move in different ways across the week and adapt their routine as life and energy levels change. There’s no single “right” way to be active. Edinburgh Leisure supports real people, real schedules and real lives. 

Designed for Real Life

Starting something new is one thing – keeping it going is often harder. Busy schedules, rising costs and uncertainty about commitment can all get in the way.

By removing the joining fee, Edinburgh Leisure is making it easier for people to maintain momentum and build routines that fit around work, family and everyday demands. Memberships include access to gyms, swimming, fitness classes and social sports across venues city‑wide, giving members the freedom to change how they move without starting again. 

Supporting Activity Across the City 

The £0 joining fee offer supports participation across Edinburgh Leisure’s network of venues, including Meadowbank Sports Centre, Ainslie Park Leisure Centre and the Royal Commonwealth Pool, helping more people stay active in ways that work for them.

The £0 joining fee offer is available for a limited time throughout May.


To join or find out more, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/may-membership-offer/ 

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to helping people lead more active, healthy lives. With more than 75 sport, leisure and school venues across the city, it creates opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active and stay active.