Edinburgh Leisure’s Chief Executive June Peebles has welcomed the First Minister’s latest announcement, which means the Edinburgh-based leisure operator can finally welcome customers again for indoor fitness classes, gym classes, adult coaching and adult outdoor contact sports from 17 May.
June Peebles said: “It’s been a long time coming but it’s another much welcomed step towards normality. I am so excited that we can finally restart our indoor fitness classes, gym classes, adult coaching and adult outdoor contact sports.
“It also means our dedicated fitness instructors can, at last, get back to doing what they love; helping people to move and have fun in a group setting.
“While we were permitted to reopen our pools and gyms for individual exercise on 26 April 2021, indoor group fitness classes were still not allowed. For customers who prefer the variety and sociability of a group fitness class, this enforced lock-down has been tough.
“Like many businesses we have had to move with the times and adapted by offering online streamed classes and some outdoor classes at Drumbrae and Portobello, but it’s not quite the same. Also, Scotland’s weather isn’t always the most conducive for outdoor classes.”
As in September 2020 when Edinburgh Leisure reopened their venues after the first lockdown, the Edinburgh Leisure experience is different from before, but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.
The main changes that customers will notice are:
All activities must be booked via the Edinburgh Leisure app or website.
Members can book classes three days in advance, while for non-members, it is two days.
Edinburgh Leisure continues to operate in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments.
Safety guidance will be on display throughout the venues.
Enhanced cleaning will take place and there are additional sanitisation stations are available in the venues for use before and after each visit.
All activities are timetabled with staggered session start times to reduce congestion.
Customers must wear face coverings in communal areas, but not for their activities.
Class sizes are reduced.
Gyms and leisure centres were among the businesses to close their doors in a bid to control the coronavirus pandemic. After the initial lockdown in March 2020, Edinburgh Leisure started to reopen their venues on 14 September and could offer group indoor fitness and gym classes, gym and swim sessions.
However, the group classes were forced to close again after only three weeks and five days on Friday, 9October, due to a spike in Covid-19 cases across Scotland. And when Edinburgh Leisure’s venues reopened again after almost a four months’ closure on 26 April 2021, only individual activities such as swim and gym sessions were permitted.
Nonetheless, since November 2020 and during the closure, Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme has continued to work with around 450 customers per week through a blend of online classes and one to one session and ‘wellbeing’ phone calls to keep more ‘vulnerable’ customers active and well at home, safely.
June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure concluded: “Edinburgh Leisure is committed to ‘building back better’ to a sustainable Edinburgh Leisure and to continue making a positive impact to the citizens of Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing – as we have done for the last 23 years.
“Now that the roll-out of the vaccine programme is well underway and with the enhanced safety and cleansing measures we have in place, I hope that our customers will feel confident to return if they haven’t already done so.
“Never before has health and wellbeing been so important. And Edinburgh Leisure remains committed to supporting the people of Edinburgh to be active and enjoy good health.”
Young swimmers are celebrating their return to swimming lessons – and at the same time are showing how healthy activities can return post-lockdown – with the reopening of ten pools in Edinburgh.
Following months of closure caused by the pandemic, Edinburgh Leisure has been able to facilitate the return of 4,370 children to the national Learn to Swim Framework.
Edinburgh Leisure operates pools at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Dalry Swim Centre, Glenogle Swim Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre, The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Queensferry High School and Currie High School.
The Learn to Swim Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, is delivered by Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers enables children of all ages to become safe and confident swimmers.
Edinburgh Leisure has welcomed back 4,370 children and young people from babies through to Club level from 26 April 2021 – the first lessons in the area since pools had to close in December following an initial re-opening in September at the end of the first national lockdown.
Angela McCowan, Aquatics Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We are delighted to be welcoming so many children and young people back to our pools across the city. Not only is it a great opportunity for them to get active again but they are learning critical life skills, which will keep them safe in and around water.”
New measures have been put in place, including social distancing, additional hygiene procedures, instructors teaching from poolside and children arriving to lessons ‘Beach Ready’ with their swimming costumes on under clothing.
Around 85% of the 39 Learn to Swim Framework providers are set to resume their programmes over the coming weeks and Edinburgh Leisure will open 10 pools for lessons.
The Learn to Swim partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water was extended for a fourth year in 2020 following its success in creating a 100,000-strong new generation of safe swimmers.
Euan Lowe, Scottish Swimming chief executive officer, said: “After a long period of various closures and restrictions, we’re thrilled to see children return to the water.It’s great to see their excitement and eagerness to get back into the water. We look forward to seeing lessons resume right across the country over the coming weeks.
“It is also encouraging to see the nation’s youngsters take a lead in showing that health and leisure activities can be resumed post-lockdown. We know from recent studies and advice from the World Health Organisation that the properties of chlorine make pool environments safe spaces during this pandemic to participate in sport and exercise.
“The Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers involved with Learn to Swim has shown what can be achieved when everyone works so closely and diligently together.”
Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water, said: “It’s fantastic to be in a position now where we can restart the programme and enable more children to become strong and confident swimmers – especially in the lead up to summer.
“With our partnership with Scottish Swimming into its fourth year, we look forward to seeing thousands of youngsters continue to both start and enjoy their lessons.”
The Learn to Swim Framework is aimed at youngsters from birth to 11-years-old and provides consistently high-quality teaching which progresses through a series of lessons and levels over a number of years.
More information on the Learn to Swim Framework can be found on the dedicated website: www.learntoswim.scot
Significant easing of restrictions across retail, hospitality and travel
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced details of the further relaxation of restrictions across Scotland.
From Monday 26 April, hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs and restaurants can reopen, along with tourist accommodation. Non-essential retail outlets and close contact services such as beauty salons can also reopen, in addition to indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries.
The First Minister confirmed that all parts of the country will move to Level 3 from Monday 26 April. The remaining travel restrictions within Scotland will be lifted and travel within the UK will be permitted for any purpose. If everyone continues to follow the rules, the First Minister said it is expected that all of Scotland will move to Level 2 on Monday 17 May.
Further changes from 26 April include:
adults on the shielding list can return to the workplace, if they cannot work from home, while children who have been shielding can return to school
non-essential work inside people’s homes – such as painting, decorating or repairing – will be permitted, subject to mitigations
non-essential informal childcare will resume
driving lessons and tests can take place, while gyms and swimming pools can reopen for individual exercise
the attendance limit for funerals and weddings – and related events such as receptions – will increase to 50
cafés, pubs and restaurants can resume full outdoor service, subject to local licensing, and serve food indoors without alcohol until 8pm
takeaways to resume normal service, with physical distancing and face masks in premises
The First Minister also announced that rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) tests will be made available to anyone in Scotland and to those planning travel to the islands.
From today, anyone planning travel to the islands next week can order a free home test kit online. The first test should be taken three days before travel and the second on the day of departure.
From Monday, lateral flow home test kits will be available to anyone in the wider population who does not have COVID-19 symptoms. They can be picked up from local walk/drive-through test sites for people to test themselves twice-weekly. Anyone in Scotland who develops COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and book a PCR test.
The expansion is aimed at finding cases that would otherwise go undetected, so those people can self-isolate and avoid transmitting the virus to those around them.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The changes that come into force next week have been hard earned by all of us. I know that many will be looking forward – quite rightly – to their first drink in a beer garden, to catching up with a friend in a café, or to going on holiday somewhere in Scotland.
“But even as we enjoy those moments, we still need to be careful. We must remember the virus is more infectious now than it was when bars and cafés were last open, so we must still stick to the rules. However, we are hopeful of seeing sustained progress in the weeks and months ahead.
“We are keeping island communities in Level 3 at the moment, so that we can allow travel between those communities and the rest of Scotland. If you are planning to travel to an island and do not have COVID-19 symptoms, we will encourage you to take two lateral flow tests for COVID-19 before you depart.
“This is an important way to reduce the risk of bringing COVID-19 into island communities. If you are travelling to an island next week, it is possible to get tests from today, and I would encourage you to do that.”
Light at the end of the tunnel as Edinburgh Leisure venues able to reopen
Edinburgh Leisure’s Chief Executive, June Peebles, has welcomed the First Minister’s latest announcement, which means their leisure centres can reopen again, after almost a four months’ closure.
As a charity responsible for running over 50 sports and leisure facilities across the Scottish capital and their Active Communities programme, which uses the power of physical activity and sport to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity, June Peebles is “looking forward to welcoming customers back and continuing to help local people enjoy active and healthy lives. Never before has health and wellbeing been so important.”
During lockdown, Edinburgh Leisure has continued to motivate their customers to keep active through their ‘Find Your Feel Good’ online hub, which has provided a range of home workout videos, as well as coaching activities and resources to support their customers to stay active and well.
Since November 2020 and during the closure, Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme has continued to work with around 450 customers per week through a blend of on-line classes and one to one sessions and ‘wellbeing’ phone calls to keep more ‘vulnerable’ customers active and well at home, safely.
Outdoor contact sports for 12–17-year-olds started back on 5 April 2021 and community access to high school sports facilities on 19 April. Edinburgh Leisure’s tennis courts and golf courses have been open since June 2020. Golf in particular, has seen an upsurge in people participating, with the uptake of their Winter Golf membership up 400%, compared to figures in 2019.
From Monday, 26 April, Edinburgh Leisure indoor venues can reopen for individual exercise. It is hoped that outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise can restart on 17 May, and indoor non-contact sport from early June, as advised in the Scottish Government’s Route Map.
Just like in September 2020 when Edinburgh Leisure reopened their venues after the first lockdown, the Edinburgh Leisure experience will be different from before but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.
The main changes that customers will notice are:
All activities must be booked via the Edinburgh Leisure app or website.
Edinburgh Leisure continues to operate in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments.
Safety guidance will be on display throughout the venues.
Enhanced cleaning will take place and there are additional sanitisation stations are available in the venues for use before and after each visit.
All activities are timetabled with staggered session start times to reduce congestion.
Customers must wear face coverings in communal areas, but not for their activities.
During lockdown, despite being closed, Edinburgh Leisure has continued to invest in their venues and services to enhance the customers’ experience when they return.
Some of the improvements include:
‘Easy access’ has been installed at Gracemount and Ainslie Park Leisure Centres, creating a quicker and more efficient way for customers to access their booked activities, without the need to check in at reception first. Customers simply swipe their fob or membership card when they enter a venue.
New digital technology in the form of boditrax, installed at the Royal Commonwealth Pool and MyZone at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, will motivate customers to understand and achieve their training goals. MyZone is already available at Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dumbrae Leisure Centre and Ainslie Park Leisure Centre.
Their ‘Refresh’ cafes at the Royal Commonwealth Pool and The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena will also reopen on 26th April. Although they will be operating a limited menu, customers can choose to either takeaway or sit-in. For those customers sitting in, enhanced cleaning arrangements will be in place and customers will be asked to ‘check-in’ and scan the QR code in-venue to support NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect service, which can be downloaded as an app to a customer’s phone.
To help support a return to the water, some new pool products are being introduced. New relaxed swim sessions for adults will be available at Portobello Swim Centre and the Royal Commonwealth Pool. The pool will be divided width-wise into four. Two of these areas will be for anyone who wants to swim widths, and customers won’t need to get out of the pool if they want to take a break, as long as physical distancing is maintained. The other two areas will be for customers who just want to enjoy the water but not necessarily swim widths. Again, physical distancing measures will apply.
Family swims are also available.
There’s also some bookable one to one adult swim coaching at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. Suitable for beginners or those more experienced swimmers who want to improve their stroke, these sessions will help swimmers reach their goals quicker with expert coaching from an Edinburgh Leisure swim coach.
Edinburgh Leisure is keen to support swimmers with a disability to continue to swim. As all activities need to be booked in advance, a new Carer Access Card has been created, which allows carers to book a place alongside the individual they are supporting. The access card allows a carer to book into an activity alongside an Edinburgh Leisure member at no additional cost to the carer.
June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure is committed to ‘building back better’ to a sustainable Edinburgh Leisure and to continue making a positive impact to the citizens of Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing – as we have done for the last 23 years.
“We’re very grateful for all the support we have received throughout lockdown from customers and the City of Edinburgh Council. The positive messages we’ve received from customers have boosted our spirits no end. The benefits of being physically active are more important than ever and we remain committed to helping Edinburgh keep active and well – always.”
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Leader and Depute Leader have promised to help businesses recover safely and sustainably, as Scotland prepares for the easing of lockdown from 26 April.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The First Minister’s update is great news for people across the Capital – I’m sure businesses will be delighted their hard work to plan for reopening will pay off after this most challenging winter.
“Many of us are already planning catch-ups with friends, a reunion with family members from across Scotland or elsewhere in the UK or a long-awaited return to the gym.
“We need to help our local economy reopen safely and sustainably and our licensing and business support teams, along with partners like Edinburgh Leisure, are working hard to make sure that happens, helping businesses to navigate the changing guidance.
“We know residents are keen to get back to their fantastic local and city centre shops, cafés, restaurants and museums and taking advantage of so much more besides that our Capital has to offer. After so many months without these luxuries this is an opportunity for residents to rediscover their Capital.
“We’ll soon be launching a campaign, along with partners, to inspire locals and, as restrictions allow, visitors, to explore all the city has to offer and to find new places to visit, shop or dine.
“While the forthcoming lifting of restrictions is very welcome, and recognises the sustained fall in COVID cases, we must not let all of our hard work and sacrifices go to waste. We still need to stick to the rules and keep to the public health guidance. Social distancing, self-isolating and getting tested when needed will still be a feature for some time to come if we are to stay on-track for the city’s long-term recovery.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “With spring in full bloom, all children back to school and, now, the reopening of shops, hospitality venues and gyms, not to mention libraries and museums across the Capital, there is much to be hopeful about, and to look forward to over the coming months.
“I want to thank the many people who have been so patient and careful over the winter, helping us to keep COVID numbers down and preventing unneeded pressure on the NHS. It’s down to all of you that we’ll now be able to tentatively emerge from lockdown, and we’ll be working hard to support the many businesses who have sacrificed over recent months to get back up and running.
“However, as we look toward a brighter future, we still need to be mindful of the real risks the virus continues to pose – we’re not out of the woods quite yet. So please, let’s continue to keep observing the rules in place, keeping one another safe for a healthy and happy summer.”
The charity Edinburgh Leisure, which runs over 50 sports and leisure facilities and a myriad of projects to support the citizens of Edinburgh to enjoy active and healthy lives, has made some new board appointments, effective from January 2021.
Scott Haldane has been appointed as Edinburgh Leisure’s new Chairperson, taking over from David Milne, who is stepping down after two terms (six years). Jackie Moran has been appointed as Vice Chair.
Scott Haldane has served on the Edinburgh Leisure Board for eight years and previously held the position of Vice Chair, and also chair of the Strategy and Financial Planning Committee. Jackie Moran has been on the Board for six years, chairing the Audit and Risk Committee.
David Milne, who relinquished his position as Chair earlier this month said: “As someone with a passion for sport and the benefits it can bring to so many people, I have been honoured to have held the position of Chair of Edinburgh Leisure for the last six years.
“I have enjoyed meeting many members of staff over the years, visiting the venues, and seeing the positive impact that Edinburgh Leisure has had on the health of so many people of all ages and stages.
“Covid-19 has changed all our lives but I have been proud of the way that the organisation, and more importantly its key asset – its staff – has weathered the storm, pulling together despite the uncertainties and the ever-changing environment, to re-open venues and services, creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, and healthy lives.”
Commenting on his appointment, Scott Haldane (above) said: “Having been a member of the Edinburgh Leisure Board for the last eight years, I feel privileged to be asked to extend my contribution in the capacity as Chair.
“My goal will be to build on the excellent work of my predecessors to further enhance Edinburgh Leisure’s role in supporting and promoting the health and wellbeing of the people of Edinburgh.”
On her appointment, Jackie Moran said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as Vice Chair of Edinburgh Leisure. I look forward to working with the board and the leadership team in my new role.“
June Peebles, CEO Edinburgh Leisure, said: “A key element of Edinburgh Leisure’s governance is having a non-executive Board of Directors, who have the collective responsibility of directing Edinburgh Leisure, ensuring we operate in accordance with our Memorandum and Articles of Association and meet all our legal responsibilities.
“The Board give their time and expertise on a voluntary basis to support the Strategic Leadership Team in leading the organisation.
“We’re fortunate to have a strong Board of Directors, who come from a variety of industries, business and specialisms and who willingly give of their time and expertise, scrutinising our work to ensure we deliver on our vision and objectives.
“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to David for his professionalism, advice and enthusiasm over the years and in particular, the support and commitment he has given to me and Edinburgh Leisure, in what has been the most challenging year for everyone.”
Due to Level Four restrictions, Edinburgh Leisure will not be reopening indoor venues (including gyms, swimming pools, indoor courts and the climbing arena at Ratho) from 26/12/20 for at least three weeks.
You can still stay active with us until 4pm on Christmas Eve. After this, our golf courses and outdoor courts will remain open and we hope to see you there.
We have contacted all of our customers via email regarding direct debits and memberships.
Please rest assured that you will not be charged for anything while we are closed. We’ll be reinstating our ‘Find Your Feel Good at Home’ online fitness hub in the new year, which will be packed with advice and activities to help keep you active.
We’re also looking forward to rolling out our live-streamed online fitness classes and we will be in touch about this in due course.
Remember – stay active, stay well and we will get through this together!
With a wide range of coaching and courses for babies to pre-schoolers and beyond, physical activity can help a child build fitness, confidence, and resilience, develop coordination skills and teaches them how to socialise.
Release their inner ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’ with Edinburgh Leisure’s dance classes or help them develop motor skills, balance and agility with ‘Gym Nippers’.
From 18 months to 3 years, you can even join in all the fun too. To comply with the current Covid-19 restrictions, Edinburgh Leisure has measures in place to ensure the safety of everyone, including the need for a parent/guardian to accompany pre-school aged children for Gym Nippers, who can physically support them in class, with instruction from the coach.
Children can join in their football classes from 3 years, where they will l develop confidence, spatial awareness and teamwork. For children who like to be airborne, their trampolining classes deliver balance, co-ordination, cardio fitness and self-confidence, whilst their swimming lessons will improve your child’s water confidence in and out of water, with an emphasis on fun and progression.
Swimming coaching can start from as young as 3 months or even younger, giving parent and baby a great opportunity to bond. And for budding Andy Murrays or Johanna Kontas, Edinburgh Leisure’s Tots Tennis offers a fun introduction to the sport allowing parents or helpers to be on court with them.
Things may be a little different now but Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching sessions still remain as popular as ever, with the emphasis on fun, safety, with dedicated, experienced staff ensuring everyone receives a warm welcome and gets the most from their classes.
Iconic Victorian swimming pool to close on Christmas Eve
Another of Edinburgh’s iconic Victorian pools, Warrender Swim Centre, home to the Warrender Baths Club said to be the oldest, most famous and most successful swimming club in Scotland is being temporarily closed for a major refurbishment, from Thursday, 24 December 2020, with a planned reopening in September 2021.
Stephanie Kelly, Leisure Manager at Warrender Swim Centre said: ‘Edinburgh Leisure is unique in having five B-listed Victorian pools in our portfolio but from time to time, these historic venues need some ‘tlc’.
“At 133 years, the investment will future-proof the building so that customers can continue to enjoy its facilities for many years to come, as they have done for previous generations.
“We will, however, still maintain certain characteristics of ‘Warrender Baths’ to ensure they keep their charm, which is so loved by the people of Bruntsfield, Marchmont and, indeed Edinburgh.”
With a 25-yard pool, sauna and a 20-station gym, Warrender is a Victorian swim centre in the heart of Bruntsfield and Marchmont. This historic venue retains many of its original features, including the original steam room’s roof in the gym, but also has the modern facilities required for an active, healthy life. The gym is located in what used to be the Turkish Baths.
Similar to the recent refurbishments at Leith Victoria and at Dalry Swim Centre, much of the refurbishment will be behind the scenes and will include:
Opening up the spectating area and adding air-cooling.
Installation of a new sauna.
New easy access, making it easier for customers to access the building and their activities, with the simple swipe of their membership card or fob.
Maintenance work to the sandstone structure and roof, both in keeping with the building’s listing.
Upgrades to the mechanical and electrical works, including improvements to the ventilation system, new lighting and installation of venue draining and a new pool plant, which will ensure the building is more energy efficient.
New air handling throughout the building including the gym.
During the refurbishment, customers will have their memberships upgraded to enable them to use any of the 50 + other Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city, so they can continue to keep active during the refurbishment.
Updates at every stage will be posted on Edinburgh Leisure’s social media channels and website during the closure and customers have been informed of the impending renovations.
After a bah-humbug 2020 when staying active hasn’t always been a priority, take some time for yourself this festive season. Boost your immunity, manage stress and your mental health by gifting yourself 12 Days of Fitness.
Available to buy online only from 23rd November to 31st December, Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active and healthy lives, has launched its seasonal promotion, 12 Days of Fitness, with the aim of encouraging people to stay active in November and December.
The 12 Days of Fitness promotion offers 12 consecutive days of membership, from the moment you buy, for only £12. And if you get the fitness bug, you’re not restricted to one pass per person either – if you wish to buy a second pass after your first pass expires, it’ll mean you’re doubly on the way to reaching those fitness goals ahead of New Year.
The pass gives you 12 consecutive days access to Edinburgh Leisure’s climb and fitness facilities, subject to COVID-19 restrictions. With Edinburgh currently in Tier 3, only their gym, swim and climb facilities are available. If Edinburgh is moved into Tier 2, fitness classes will also become available.
Edinburgh Leisure’s facilities are second to none and offer choice and great value, across various city locations.
Their gyms feature some of the latest fitness equipment and while things are a little different from before with physical distancing measures in place, and the need to book your gym, swim and climb sessions in advance, you will be assured a warm welcome, with helpful staff ready to help you reach your fitness goals.
They also have numerous swimming pools across the city, from historic baths to the famous Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool and Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho.
For further information about Edinburgh Leisure venues and services and the 12 Days of Fitness Promotion visit: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
Despite the current Scottish Government restrictions affecting the sport & leisure industry, Edinburgh Leisure is continuing to reopen their venues and services and encouraging as many people of various ages and stages to get active.
June Peebles, CEO at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Over the past few weeks and months, there’s been a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to bring Edinburgh Leisure’s 14 venues that are currently open and services back to life.
“This includes their six golf courses, gyms, tennis courts, sports halls and pitches, Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho, five Victorian pools and of course, the very popular Royal Commonwealth Pool.
“And despite all the changes we have had to deal with and continue to deal with –whether that be the changes to facility guidance or changes to what activities we can and cannot open (our group fitness classes and adult group activities are not able to take place under the current Level 3 restrictions), we have continued to progress with our re-opening plans.
“Feedback has been so positive with Edinburgh Leisure being one of the businesses singled out for making customers feel safest since reopening with all the measures we have put in place, and an ‘overall crowd-pleaser’.”
Since June, customers have been dusting off their clubs and heading to Edinburgh Leisure’s golf courses. Customer visits are up 43% on last year and continue to perform exceptionally well, despite the autumn weather and ever reducing day light and playing hours.
The sale of Edinburgh Leisure’s Winter Golf membership, which costs from £22.50 per month with unlimited play at six of their golf courses across the city until 31 March 2021, is contributing to the impressive sales, up four times compared to that in 2019.
Other services that have reopened include the sporting facilities in seven of the Council’s high schools, which Edinburgh Leisure manage on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, and Clip ‘n Climb family sessions at the EICA, albeit on a reduced basis.
Their popular coaching programme for children’s swim and dive lessons, tennis, gymnastics and climbing, restarted on 16 November. The swim coaching programme at Queensferry High School restarts on Monday, 30th November.
Seven thousand children and young people have returned to coaching, which although is a reduction on what was available pre-lockdown, complies with Scottish Government and sportscotland guidelines to keep people safe.
Their popular NRG Zone – a coached gym session for children from S1 to 15 years – is now being offered. These sessions introduce the safe and effective use of the gym space and equipment and allows the young person to get accredited and then able to use the gym on the own, at time out with NRG Zone classes, where there are gym instructors present. NRG is running across nine of their venues from Friday to Sundays – with limited places offered at specified gym times.
Gym instructor bookings are available once more and need to be booked in advance. Initially, it will be ‘Introduction for New Users and ‘Gym Update Reviews, which are offered with both sessions starting with a 15 minute – one to one -consultation, where goals will be discussed, exercise advice given and a demonstration of the safe use of equipment. The remainder of the gym session will allow the customer to train in the gym with staff checking on progress.
Edinburgh Leisure has also introduced Family Swim Sessions into their pool timetables, where families of up to five people can swim in a pre-booked pool ‘pod’, with prices starting from £9.60 per family group.
Due to the Covid restrictions, groups must adhere to the existing adult:child ratio as well as the COVID-19 restrictions, and need to arrive swim ready. In some of the venues, deep-end pods are also available for families with confident swimmers.
A number of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities projects have also restarted. Active Communities helps improve the lives of people affected by health conditions, poverty, inequalities, and disabilities.
Programmes which have restarted include: one to one gym sessions for participants on their Healthy Active Minds project; their #YouCan project, which supports care-experienced young people to get active, is running virtual one to ones, outdoor and group outreach programmes; Active Mums, which supports low income families, has restarted as an outdoor group with the mums enjoying socially distanced workouts in Pilrig Park, with their children being cared for in the creche at Dr Bells Family Centre; and Get Moving Adults Weight Management Education Classes.
In addition, Ageing Well, which encourages older people to get active and stay active, has restarted three of their popular walks.
Ryan Dignan, Health Development Officer, remarked: “The walkers have said how relieved they were that the group was back again as they had missed it so much.”
June Peebles concluded: “Edinburgh Leisure remains as committed as ever to supporting Edinburgh citizens to be active and healthy. We’ve had to introduce a number of changes to comply with all the COVID-19 safety guidance that’s out there.
“Things are somewhat different, with smaller numbers taking part in activities at any one time, the mandatory wearing of face coverings when moving around our venues, enhanced cleaning and physical distancing measures but it’s all in place to ensure our customers are safe when visiting our venues.
“The feedback has been really positive. Never has the importance of taking care of your physical and mental health been so important – please remember we’re here to help and support you to be active.”
Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s largest sports and leisure operator, has announced it will be reopening the rest of its well-loved Victorian pools. Warrender, Portobello, Dalry and Glenogle Swim Centres will reopen on Monday, 26 October.
June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re delighted that we can finally reopen the rest of our beloved Victorian pools, which we know our customers and communities are so fond of. They’re unique buildings that we are justly proud to be the caretakers of.
“As you can imagine, bringing Edinburgh Leisure’s diverse range of venues and services ‘back to life’ in a COVID-19 environment is a big and complex task.
And the additional restrictions that the First Minister announced last week, which meant the stopping of group fitness classes and a number of group activities for adults (although working out individually in the gym and swimming can still happen), has posed further challenges. These restrictions will hopefully have been lifted by the time our third round of venues reopen on Monday, 26th October.”
To allow our venues to re-open, Edinburgh Leisure needs to comply with the Scottish Government and sportscotland’s extensive guidance – which ensures venues are safe for customers and employees.
Initially it will be the Victorian pools (lane swimming, club swimming and Family Swim sessions), the fitness classes at three of the four venues and the gyms at Portobello and Glenogle that will be reopening.
Unfortunately, the gyms at Warrender and Dalry will remain closed, due to no ventilation systems installed and not complying with the new minimum requirements (as detailed by the Scottish Government).
Other services that will continue to remain closed are the Turkish Baths, steam room, rest area and Aerotone – the forerunner to the modern jacuzzi – at Portobello Swim Centre; the fitness class programme, free weights room (although this will be housed in the fitness studio) and sauna and steam room at Glenogle; and the sauna at Dalry.
June Peebles explained: “As a charity and operating as a not-for-profit organisation, we need to balance the books and weigh up the viability of reopening various services in a COVID-19 compliant way. Our number one goal is to provide our customers with a clean, safe, and enjoyable Edinburgh Leisure experience.”
The reopening of these four Victorian pools follows on from the reopening of seven other Edinburgh Leisure venues, which opened on 14 September and 21 September. These include Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, and the EICA: Ratho.
Edinburgh Leisure’s six golf courses have been open since 4 June, and there has been a big upturn in demand for tee times. The outdoor tennis courts at the Meadows have also been open since the end of May.
The Edinburgh Leisure experience will be different from before but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.
The main changes that customers will see are:
All activities must be pre booked via the Edinburgh Leisure app or website.
They will be operating in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments.
Safety guidance will be on display throughout the venues.
Additional sanitisation stations have been installed throughout the venues for use before and after each visit.
All activities are timetabled with staggered session start times to reduce congestion.
It will be necessary for customers to wear face coverings in communal areas, (unless exempt) but not for their activities.
Edinburgh Leisure, like every leisure trust in Scotland, is facing huge financial challenges. They continue to lobby the Government for financial support for the sector to ensure the sector survives and can continue to contribute to the country’s health and wellbeing.
Edinburgh Leisure is joining an industry wide initiative led by ukactive. The #FitTogether campaign aims to ensure a united front on behalf of the wider sector, which utilises key statistics that evidence the extremely low rates of COVID-19 transmission across the sector and demonstrates the vital role of the sector in the nation’s health and wellbeing.
The purpose of the campaign is to message that the sector is safe and essential and to influence customers and policy makers accordingly.
June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure is committed to ‘building back better’ to a sustainable Edinburgh Leisure and to continue making a positive impact to the citizens of Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing – as we have done for the last 22 years.
“Never before has health and wellbeing been so important. And Edinburgh Leisure remain committed to supporting the people of Edinburgh to be active and enjoy good health.”
Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives. They do this by running over 30+ sports and leisure facilities across the city and deliver their Active Communities programme, which helps improve the lives of people affected by health conditions, poverty, inequalities, and disabilities.
