Edinburgh Leisure – Page 17 – The NEN

Love Golf? It pays to play

** Unlimited monthly winter-golf for just £22.50 per month **

For die hard golf fans or even those new to the game who want to keep in the swing of it during the winter, Edinburgh Leisure’s winter golf membership could be just the deal.

It pays to play, with the membership costing just £22.50 per month, compared up to £27.50 that you would pay as a pay-as-you-go customer. So buying a winter golf membership and playing more than once, will mean a saving worth having.

Ken Harvey, Head of Operations at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Golf at Edinburgh Leisure has experienced a resurgence after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted at the beginning of June and it’s been great to see regulars back on our fairways and also new players taking up the game or players returning to the game after dusting off their clubs.

“With minimal use of winter greens and no mats, it’s the ideal opportunity to keep your golf on par until the summer returns. The beauty of Edinburgh Leisure’s winter golf membership is that you won’t have to rely on playing just one course.

“Our membership gives you the flexibility and variety to experience up to six different courses in unique locations across the city. So wrap up warm, fill your thermos, grab your clubs and improve your game and your mental health with a round of golf! In fact, playing just once a month, will see your membership pay for itself.”

The winter pass is valid from 1 October 2020 – 31 March 2021 and allows access to Edinburgh Leisure’s six golf courses*.

Edinburgh Leisure’s 18-hole courses include Braid Hills, Carrick Knowe, Craigentinny, and Silverknowes. For a quicker challenge, Edinburgh Leisure also have two popular 9-hole courses – Portobello and the Wee Braids.

From December to February, the Wee Braids closes and some of its holes are incorporated into the main Braid Hills course.

Payable monthly by direct debit until March 2021, different membership options are available including access to all the courses, seven days-a-week, and a five-day membership with access to all courses, Monday to Friday.

The membership also gives 20% off other Edinburgh Leisure activities including the gym, swimming, racquet sports and climbing, at the various Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city – so it pays to play.

Edinburgh Leisure has introduced rules and measures to ensure golfers can play in an environment that is safe for both customers and staff.

Some things have changed but customers will still be guaranteed the warm Edinburgh Leisure welcome:

It is now necessary for all tee times to be booked and paid for in advance. Customers can no longer turn up to play.
Each player must be played for separately. The booking system lets the golfer and any guests to pay separately for their round.
Edinburgh Leisure members and cardholders can book a tee time from 9 pm, 8 days in advance. Non-members can still book a tee-time but will need to create an account with Edinburgh Leisure before they can book. They will then be able to book from 9 pm, 7 days in advance.
Under the current guidelines, only four-balls social golf can be played.
No changing rooms will be available so golfers are advised to change into their shoes and any outdoor wear whilst at their car and then proceed straight to the starters’ office/area.
Golf guidelines and terms and conditions can be found on the Edinburgh Leisure website – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/golf-covid-guidelines

The Golf Membership is available to buy online only –
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/winter-golf-membership

Back on the courts

Lighten up those dark winter evenings with floodlit tennis

As the light starts to fade and summer draws to a close, playing tennis with floodlights at the Meadows and the all-weather outdoor courts at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, can now be booked on the Edinburgh Leisure app and website.

Kirsty Stobie, Manager at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Tennis has proved to be really popular since Edinburgh Leisure’s courts opened up at the beginning of June, when the restrictions were lifted after lockdown. It’s been great seeing people of all ages getting active back on our courts and taking advantage of free tennis.

“Tennis at the Meadows is unmanned and until now, customers have been able to just rock up and play. However, with the nights drawing in earlier, customers wishing to play with floodlights, can pay to have the lights turned on to coincide with their session. These sessions can be booked via the Edinburgh Leisure website or app.”

Court prices start from £5 – £10 at the Meadows and £6.60 – £13 at Craiglockhart. Customers are asked to adhere to current social distancing guidelines and to bring their own equipment.

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

Climbing Arena to reopen on Monday

Following the reopening of six of its leisure venues on Monday (14 September), Edinburgh Leisure will be reopening its Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho next Monday, 21^st September 2020.

A climbers’ paradise and Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, booking goes live for climbing members at 9pm on Thursday, 17 September, and to non-members on Friday, 18 September. Members will be able to book climbing sessions eight days in advance, while for non-members, it’s seven days.

Customers wishing to book the gym facilities at EICA: Ratho, will be able to book three days in advance for members, and two days in advance for non-members – which is the same terms as at the other six Edinburgh Leisure venues, which recently opened.

Emma Ogilvie-Hall, Manager at EICA: Ratho said: “We know our climbers have missed the fantastic facilities at Ratho, and we’ve missed them and can’t wait to welcome them back.

“Like our other venues, things will be different but our climbers will still be guaranteed the warm Edinburgh Leisure welcome. Everyone is having to adapt to very different circumstances but the feedback from customers to the reopening of our six other venues has been very positive to the changes that we have put in place, which after all, are here for the health and safety of our staff and customers.”

The main changes that customers will see are:

Only climbing on the walls and bouldering in the main arena will be available, as will the gym. However, the bouldering room will remain closed.
Other services remaining closed for the time being include Clip ‘n Climb: the two cafés and Scrambles soft-play. Edinburgh Leisure will be following Government guidelines when considering the reopening these services.
No coaching will be available but an experienced climber can bring in two guests. These can be signed in and paid for on arrival but payment will be cashless.
Safety signage guidance will be on display throughout the venues.
Additional sanitisation stations have been installed throughout the venue for use before and after each visit.
Customers will need to book all climbing sessions in advance.
- Sessions have been changed to reduce congestion in the building. Customers will be able to book in for either a morning or afternoon session.
- The climbing sessions will run from 10:00 – 15:30 and 16:00 – 21:00 (Monday to Friday), and 9:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 to 17:00 (Saturday and Sunday)
Equipment can be hired online at the time of booking or in person on site but payment will be cashless.
Climbers will need to arrive ‘climb-ready’. Change facilities will not be available for use. There will also be reduced number of customer toilets.

An Edinburgh Leisure spokesperson explained: “We’re delighted to be re-opening EICA: Ratho and have been busy preparing for our customers return.

“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. Our number one goal is to provide our customers with a clean, safe and enjoyable Edinburgh Leisure experience.”

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.

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.

For more information: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena

Building Back Better: Edinburgh Leisure reopens venues

Edinburgh Leisure reopens six of its leisure venues

Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s largest sports and leisure operator, will be reopening its doors at six of its venues, today, Monday, 14 September 2020.

The venues reopening on 14 September are: Ainslie Park Leisure Centre (badminton, fitness, gym, swim), Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre (badminton, fitness, gym and indoor and outdoor tennis and squash), Drumbrae Leisure Centre (badminton, fitness, gym, swim), The Royal Commonwealth Pool (fitness, gym, swim) Leith Victoria (fitness, gym, swim), and Gracemount Leisure Centre (badminton, fitness, gym, swim).

They will initially be reopening their gyms, fitness classes, tennis, badminton and squash courts, and lane swimming in these centres. Bookings went live for members at 9pm on Thursday, 10 September and for non-members on Friday, 11 September.

Their six golf courses have been open since 4 June, and there has been a big upturn in demand for tee times. Their outdoor tennis courts have also been open since June and have been free to play.

Whilst First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon brought forward the date that indoor leisure venues could reopen to 31 August 2020, Edinburgh Leisure has always been working towards the original date that was indicated of 14 September.

An Edinburgh Leisure spokesperson explained: “We’re delighted to be re-opening the doors at six of our venues on 14 September and have been busy preparing for our customers return. We’ve missed them, as I know, many of them us.

“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. We had over 900 staff on furlough, and it’s been necessary to check and refresh/update relevant compliance training before we could reopen, for example. Our number one goal is to provide our customers with a clean, safe and enjoyable Edinburgh Leisure experience.”

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;
Customers will be encouraged to wear face coverings in communal areas, but not for their activities.

Edinburgh Leisure has produced a series of videos and guidelines to virtually help customers through their first visit, and have a new ‘Ask Us’ section, which is available on their website, advising and supporting customers to make a booking and answering any questions they may have.

“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.”

For more information: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Edinburgh Leisure announces further venues to reopen

Edinburgh Leisure announces further venues to reopen and new ‘what to expect’ video

Edinburgh Leisure has added a further two venues, Leith Victoria and Gracemount Leisure Centre to its list of venues that will reopen on Monday, 14 September 2020.

These will join the already announced venues of the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, and Ainslie Park.

Edinburgh Leisure’s other venues will be opening up on an incremental basis over the next few weeks after this. Their six golf courses and outdoor tennis courts at the Meadows and Craiglockhart are already open too.

In preparation for helping customers understand what to expect when Edinburgh Leisure reopens its venues, they have produced a helpful ‘walk-through’ video, which is now live on the Edinburgh Leisure website.

There are also some helpful guidelines for each of the activities: swim, gym, fitness class and tennis and badminton booking.

An Edinburgh Leisure spokesperson said: “We’ve missed our customers and are really looking forward to reopening our doors and welcoming our customers back. Over the last five months, we’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received and have loved seeing the creative ways our customers have found to continue keeping active while in lockdown.

“All our efforts are focused on making our venues as safe as possible and we hope the guidelines and our video, showing customers what their fitness experience will look like in a post-lockdown world, will be helpful.

“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.”

Find out more about Edinburgh Leisure’s reopening plans:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/fitness-at-home/reopening-plans

While some leisure venues have reopened their venues on Monday, Edinburgh Leisure is different from some organisations/companies who might operate just one or two venues, which might make it easier for them to open yesterday.

However, Edinburgh Leisure has such a diverse range of venues and bringing venues and services back to life in a new Covid-19 environment, after being closed for five months, is a big and complex task.

It is, unfortunately, not just a case of reopening doors again. Whilst properties and pools have been maintained during the course of lockdown, we furloughed over 900 staff during this time. We only kept a small cohort of staff working throughout the lockdown, in a bid to manage costs. In the main, this has been senior operations management, finance, and our maintenance team.

To ensure the safety of our customers and staff, and before we can reopen our doors, we need to ensure that our staff’s compliance training is refreshed and any qualifications are current.

We also need to prepare each venue individually, with the necessary signage, sanitisation stations, and ensure they comply with any Covid guidelines. Pools also need to be cleaned and heated to an acceptable level, which can take up to a week and gyms, fitness studios and courts prepared to allow for social distancing.

Perhaps more than ever before there is recognition of the importance and value of good health. Edinburgh Leisure remains committed to supporting and enabling the citizens of Edinburgh to live active and healthy lives, working with the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver on our shared goals to achieve this.

In summary:

When we do re-open (as per our golf courses) – venues will look different, services will change, the activity programme will be different, the Edinburgh Leisure experience will be different. In short, everything will have to adapt and change to ensure a safe operating environment for customers and employees. For example: all activities will be bookable to allow for track and trace and we will be cashless. However, we will continue to provide an enjoyable experience for our customers.
The senior management team at “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.”
Since opening on 4^th June Edinburgh Leisure golf has been performing very well. We have undoubtedly benefited from the good (in the main) weather, people having more time, a lack of alternative activities and, also the 5 mile travel restrictions that were in place for the first three months of lockdown. The gradual relaxation of lockdown measures has of course changed things e.g. more people are returning to work and golfers can travel freely to other courses but golf has continued to perform well. So, the golf income has been a big positive amidst all the financial challenges and uncertainties facing Edinburgh Leisure and has helped to reduce our monthly financial deficit.

Edinburgh Leisure to close venues

Edinburgh Leisure will be closing all its venues and golf courses from close of play today (Thursday, 19 March). Community access to the 22 high schools that it manages on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council have also been suspended.

The news follows the announcement from First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon that schools will close from Friday, 20 March.

June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “These are unprecedented and challenging times for everyone and we are communicating this news to all our stakeholders which includes staff, customers, service providers, tenants, partners, suppliers and volunteers as soon as possible.

“Like so many others affected by this pandemic, it is worrying times for everyone including our staff. Edinburgh Leisure is a charity; and every penny we receive from memberships, lets, events and funding is reinvested back into our venues and funds the services that we provide – therefore shutting our venues and therefore freezing customers’ memberships has huge consequences for us and also the health of Edinburgh.

“Whilst our customers won’t be able to keep active with Edinburgh Leisure for the time being, we will be looking at offering advice to our customers on tips for keeping moving remotely and access to classes via ‘Les Mills on demand’ so that customers can workout at home. And providing advice from Public Health Scotland allows people to not require to totally self-isolate, there is also the option of going for a walk or run outside.

“We really hope that once the situation passes that customers will return to Edinburgh Leisure venues to keep active and stay active once again and to continue supporting us as they have done for the last 22 years.”

There is currently no indication as to how long the venues will remain closed – reopening will be guided by advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland.

Like every customer facing business, Edinburgh Leisure has been receiving a high volume of calls to their Customer Accounts and Customer Enquiries team, which has meant a delayed response.

An Edinburgh Leisure spokesperson said: “We have been receiving a really high level of enquiries over the last week from customers. We would urge customers to bear with us and we will be back in touch with customers directly about their memberships in the coming days.”

The wait is over: Viccie Baths reopens

Try before you buy – 7 Days for £7

The long-awaited refurbishment of Edinburgh Leisure’s beloved 120-year-old Leith Victoria Swim Centre is over and its refurbished pool reopened to the public yesterday, with some eager customers in the pool at 6am!

While many locals will be familiar with the pool facilities, Edinburgh Leisure are giving locals and potential new members, the opportunity to try before they buy, with a ‘7 Days for £7 promotion, which will run Monday, 2 March until Sunday, 8 March 2020. This pass is only available online and will be valid for 7 days starting from the day of registration. Terms and conditions apply.

Located just off Great Junction Street in Leith, ‘Viccies’ has retained its 19th century charm but added a modern twist to provide everything needed for an active lifestyle, including a 25 yard Victorian pool, a large modern gym, two fitness studios and dedicated cycle studio.

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Edinburgh Leisure seeks swim teachers

Looking for a new challenge and career? Edinburgh Leisure is on the search for qualified swim teachers to join the biggest sports coaching provider in the city.

Angela McCowan, Aquatics Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “As the biggest provider of sports coaching across the city, we’re looking for individuals from all walks of life, with a passion for swimming, who want to join us and enthuse children with a key life skill.

Flexible hours are on offer, at various locations across Edinburgh. Also on offer is one of the best rewards packages in the business, with generous pension, holidays, and free membership to all of Edinburgh Leisure venues.

Interested individuals should apply on the Edinburgh Leisure jobs portal by Sunday, 8 March 2020 and be available to attend an assessment centre on Monday, 16 March 2020.

To find out more about being a swim teacher with Edinburgh Leisure:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/work-with-us/swim-teacher-roles

Don’t ditch those resolutions – 7 Days for £7

Over-indulged this half-term? Why not resolve to get summer fit by taking advantage of Edinburgh Leisure’s offering of a 7-day fitness pass for only £7, giving customers all the benefits of their ‘Full Fitness’ membership.

With 14 gyms, 9 swimming pools and over 800+ fitness classes per week, customers can take advantage of all the benefits of Edinburgh Leisure’s ‘Full Fitness membership at the biggest club in town.

Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms feature some of the latest equipment with on-hand instructors who are happy to show customers ‘the ropes’ and how to use the equipment; have a range of swimming pools from five historic ‘baths’ to the famous Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool, plus a selection of saunas and steam rooms.

Their range of fitness classes have something for everyone, no matter what your fitness level is, including gym, water-based and virtual sessions, meaning you can work out at a time that suits you.

The 7 Days for £7 pass is available to buy online only from Sunday 23^rd February until Saturday 29^th February. Terms and conditions apply.

For further information:

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/passes/7-days-for-7-pounds

Don’t Sit Still!

Young at heart get active with chair-based exercise

Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well programme, working in partnership with Steady Steps, an NHS community-based health referral programme, has launched a new chair-based exercise class in a new locality at the Queensferry Sports & Community Hub.

Running every Monday, from 11.45 am – 1.00 pm, the class launched on Monday, 3^rd February with eight people attending and more participants expected over the coming weeks.

The Ageing Well Project, run by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with NHS Lothian, delivers a range of city-wide activities which support people to become, and remain, active in later life.

The emphasis is on meeting new people and making physical activity accessible and enjoyable. Each session is followed by refreshments and time for that all-important chat and a cuppa.

Steady Steps is run in partnership with NHS Lothian and delivers group exercise sessions to people who have had or are at risk of having a fall with the aim of preventing future falls and injury.

There is scientific evidence that the exercise used in the sessions help to increase endurance, strength, flexibility and balance. The classes are delivered in a safe environment and can be adapted so no exercise is too easy or difficult for any individual.

Michael McLaughlin, Specialist Health Instructor at Edinburgh Leisure said: “These classes will act as a pathway for those attending Steady Steps, so they have a class to continue on to. It will mean that they don’t undo all the hard work they have put in when they have been attending the 16-week Steady Steps programme for 1.5 hours each week.

“We’re also hoping to welcome any other older adults in the community looking to be active. No specialist equipment or workout gear is required. Just wear lose, comfortable clothes and trainers or soft-soled shoes. It’s such a great opportunity to make new friends too and of course, socialise over tea and biscuits afterwards.”

A donation of £2 is welcomed for the class.

Interested? Just turn up at the Queensferry Sports & Community Hub, 30 Ashburnham Road, Queensferry, South Queensferry EH30 9JN