Bookings go live today, Tuesday, 30th September for Edinburgh Leisure’s latest Mind & Body Event, a full-day celebration of movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
Taking place on Saturday, 25th October at Meadowbank Sports Centre, this special event invites both members and non-members to explore the variety of mind/body classes available across Edinburgh Leisure venues.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or simply find a moment of calm, this event offers something for everyone. Attendees can choose from energising sessions in Studio 1 or calming, restorative classes in Studio 2 and the Cycle Studio, with expert instructors guiding each experience.
Classes include:
Studio 1 – Higher Energy
09:00 – Fitness Pilates (Sterenn L)
10:15 – Shapes: Pilates & Barre Conditioning (Alex S & Krista B)
11:15 – Pilates (Kris F)
12:30 – M1ND: Unwind (Sara K)
Studio 2 – Slow It Down
08:00 – Hatha Yoga: Restorative Flow (Simone B)
09:00 – Vinyasa Yoga: Energy Flow (Cat P)
10:15 – Body Balance (Mari A)
Cycle Studio
11:15 – Ashtanga Yoga: Strength Flow (Mark S)
12:30 – Yin Yoga: Unwind (Zosia R)
Additional classes are still to be confirmed, promising even more opportunities to explore what moves you.
All classes are just £5.25 for non-members and are free for Edinburgh Leisure Members. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply curious, this is your chance to try something new in a welcoming, relaxed space.
Book via the Edinburgh Leisure app or on the website from 30th September and join Edinburgh Leisure for a day of movement, mindfulness, and feel-good energy.
Craiglockhart Tennis and Leisure Centre is about to change the game for golfers in Edinburgh. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to sharpen your swing or someone seeking a fun, new experience with friends, the cutting-edge Trackman Golf Simulator officially opens today, Monday, 29th September.
Occupying the space formerly used as a spin studio at the entrance to the tennis centre, this exciting new addition represents a significant investment in leisure innovation by Edinburgh Leisure. The simulator offers a powerful, immersive indoor golf experience – perfect for training, socialising, or simply enjoying the game, rain, or shine.
Costing just £25 per hour, customers can bring their own clubs, or Edinburgh Leisure can provide. Bookings are per session and can accommodate up to four people at each hour-session.
“We’re thrilled to bring this state-of-the-art golf simulator to Craiglockhart,” said Kirsty Stobie, Manager at Craiglockhart Tennis and Leisure Centre.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for golfers of all levels to enjoy the game in a new way, and we’re proud to offer our members something truly special with the discounted launch offer.”
Whether you’re chasing performance or just looking to play for fun, book now via the Edinburgh Leisure app and website:
Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, has called on the City of Edinburgh Council in a formal open letter today to take urgent steps to secure the future of Edinburgh South Community Football Club (ESCFC), one of Scotland’s biggest and most successful community clubs.
ESCFC, has over 1,000 players across 75 teams and more than 200 volunteers, collectively contributing over 40,000 hours of unpaid time, is facing severe challenges due to a shortage of pitches and lack of long-term security over its facilities. Every week, 5–10 children are being turned away, while six full teams, around 120 young people, risk having nowhere to train from September.
Despite more than seven years of talks with the Council, the club still does not have the land security or access to facilities it needs. Edinburgh Leisure has not responded since March regarding long-term Astro pitch availability, and without action the club has missed out on major investment opportunities, such as the £8.6m Scottish FA Pitching In fund.
The club’s impact stretches far beyond football, with initiatives including:
Free after school club and holiday camps (averaging 600 free places weekly across the year)
Free mental health counselling and physiotherapy
Racism and disability awareness training
Free use of club facilities for local schools
Fee waivers and discounts for families in need
Completely free Soccer School every Saturday for up to 120 children aged 5-8
ESCFC is a Platinum-level accredited club, the highest recognition awarded by the SFA, and has been nominated for National Community Club of the Year.
Ian Murray MP said: ““Edinburgh South CFC is a shining example of everything that is good about grassroots football. The scale of the club’s impact from free school holiday places to counselling, mentoring, and a boot exchange programme is extraordinary.
“But that success is now under threat. It is simply unsustainable for children to be turned away week after week because of a lack of facilities and security, and miss out on repeated funding rounds.
“This has gone on far too long. The Council must now step up, work with the club, and deliver the long-term security and pitches it desperately needs.”
Joe Sneddon, Chair of Edinburgh South CFC, said: “Our ethos has always been simple: if you want to play, you play.Thanks to our incredible volunteers we’ve been able to make that a reality for decades, but the lack of facilities and long-term backing is now putting that at risk. We don’t want to turn children away, yet that’s exactly what is happening.
“The Council cannot allow a club of this standing, delivering this scale of community benefit, to be held back by lack of facilities and short-term agreements. The time for warm words is over, we need action to allow us to continue delivering for our communities.”
Ian Murray has written formally to the Council setting out a series of practical steps, including a new Astroturf pitch at Inch Park, guaranteed access to the new Liberton High School Astro, and long-term leases at key facilities across South Edinburgh.
ON National Fitness Day 2025 (Wednesday, 24th September), Edinburgh Leisure is celebrating the power of physical activity with an inspiring message from one of its most energetic instructors – 88-year-old Helen Flannigan.
This year’s theme, “Powered By You!”, encourages people of all ages and abilities to discover what motivates them to move more. Organised by ukactive, the nationwide campaign highlights the physical and mental health benefits of staying active.
Helen Flannigan, who was awarded the Lifestyle Achievement Award by the International Fitness Showcase in March 2025, an annual fitness convention in Blackpool, teaches four weekly Fit Steps and Zumba classes at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, and her sessions are anything but gentle.
Known for her fast-paced routines, Helen leaves her dancers sweating and smiling – proving that age is no barrier to fitness.
She’s even signed up for training as an instructor for Work It Out, a musical theatre-inspired workout developed by Flick Hannah, which Edinburgh Leisure offers and is proving very popular, with classes often having waitlists.
Helen Flannigan said: “National Fitness Day is a great reminder that movement is for everyone. The theme ‘Powered By You!’ is about finding what makes you feel good and being part of something bigger.
“Even small changes can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.”
Alex Smith, Fitness Class Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Helen is a true inspiration. Her energy, commitment, and inclusive approach make her classes a highlight of the week for many of our members.”
Celebrating Impact
Edinburgh Leisure has recently launched its second Impact Report, showcasing achievements from 2024–2025 – a year marked by record-breaking participation, community innovation, and strategic resilience.
Jen Holland, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “As a charity, every penny spent with us is reinvested into the local community. With our customers’ support and through our Active Communities programmes, we’ve been able to:
Support 8,826 people experiencing poverty to be active
Assist 604 refugees through our Relocated People Access Programme
Help 634 care-experienced children and young people engage in activities
Enable 2,466 low-income residents to access services via the £10 Get Active Card”
Malcolm Reid, newly appointed Chair of Edinburgh Leisure, added: “Physical activity is a proven ‘miracle cure’ for health and wellbeing, yet less than half of Edinburgh’s population meets the recommended 2.5 hours of weekly activity.
“Our mission – to inspire individuals, families, and communities to move more – is more urgent than ever. This report shows how we’re making that happen, together.”
“As a charity with a social conscience, our purpose goes beyond profit. It’s about people – supporting healthier lives, creating safe and welcoming spaces, connecting communities, and working towards net zero.
“Our services are designed to be inclusive and accessible, helping everyone achieve their personal best at every stage of life. We invite citizens, partners, and supporters to be part of the journey – whether as participants, volunteers, donors or advocates.”
Get Involved on National Fitness Day
To mark National Fitness Day, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting members to take part in inclusive gym challenges across all venues. There are no winners based on strength or speed – participation alone makes you a winner.
Members are also encouraged to complete “Powered By You” cards, sharing what physical activity helps them achieve in everyday life. These stories will be featured on Edinburgh Leisure’s social media channels.
Throughout September, Edinburgh Leisure is offering a £0 joining fee on all memberships – including Full Fitness and single-activity options (gym, swim, or fitness classes) – making it easier than ever to get started.
As the world marks World Falls Day on 22nd September, Edinburgh Leisure is shining a spotlight on its Balanced Life programme – a specialist initiative helping adults reduce their risk of falling and maintain independence.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and hospital admissions among older adults. They place a significant burden on the NHS and social care, but many are preventable. It is estimated that falls cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion annually. In 2023, over 15,000 people attended A&E in relations to a fall, 10,000 of which were people over 50 years old. (Lothian Falls Prevention and Management Framework).
Working in collaboration with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP), Balanced Life is integrated into Edinburgh’s new Falls Prevention and Management Pathway and is already making a difference across Edinburgh.
As well as Balanced Life, working in partnership with EHCP has enabled Edinburgh Leisure to grow their provision from 33 to 73 classes per week creating capacity to support 2,632 adults this year to improve their balance, strength, and confidence – key factors in preventing falls.
Balanced Life is an evidence-based two-tiered falls prevention programme designed for adults who have had or are at risk of having a fall. Offering a range of tailored classes which build strength, balance and mobility, this programme supports people to maintain their independence and enhance their quality of life through targeted exercises delivered by specially qualified instructors.
Level 1 – Active Balance is a weekly class focusing on functional exercises that promote balance, confidence and daily movement
Level 1 – Grounded Balance is a weekly class which teaches participants how to get down to and up from the floor safely using backward training principles to reduce ‘long lies’ following a fall
Level 1 – Dynamic Balance is a weekly circuit-based class which focuses on strength and functional fitness
Level 2 – Balance Plus is designed for people with a higher falls risk of having a fall. People referred to Balance Plus are asked to attend 3 classes per week to build their strength, mobility and balance confidence
Claire Craig, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Falls are widely recognised as a significant and costly, yet largely preventable, source of harm within the health and social care system.
“We are excited to be working with Health & Social Care to expand our successful Steady Steps programme, launching a new two-tiered programme to reduce falls and frailty in the city.
“This collaboration is focused on reducing avoidable harm caused by falls and delivering meaningful, city-wide benefits for the people of Edinburgh, improving lives and helping ease pressure on the NHS.”
Hannah Cairns, Chief Allied Health Professional at the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We have enjoyed working closely with Edinburgh Leisure on the falls prevention pathway.
“They bring a wealth of experience in the role of physical activity in health and wellbeing, and have a proven track record of delivering groups and services that have a positive impact on people’s lives.
“We are proud to support the development of Balance Life, a key contributor to the integration of physical activity within the newly developed falls prevention and management pathway.
“This collaboration is focused on reducing avoidable harm caused by falls and delivering meaningful, city-wide benefits for the people of Edinburgh.”
By supporting people to stay active and steady on their feet, Balanced Life is helping to reduce avoidable falls and the associated healthcare costs.
Balanced Life is referral-only, ensuring those most at risk are supported. Health and social care professionals can refer eligible individuals.
Edinburgh Leisure remains committed to promoting healthy ageing and tackling health inequalities through inclusive physical activity programmes.
Edinburgh Leisure Waives Joining Fees This September
This September, Edinburgh Leisure is making it easier than ever to kickstart your fitness journey with a £0 joining fee across most of its memberships.
With over 50 venues across the city, including 12 swimming pools, 17 gyms, 32 tennis courts, 141 sports pitches, and Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re returning to fitness, trying something new, or looking for flexibility, here are five great reasons to choose Edinburgh Leisure:
Train Your Way Across the City With a Full Fitness membership, enjoy unlimited access to all 12 pools, 17 gyms, 1,000+ weekly gym and fitness classes, the Evolve Hybrid Gym at Meadowbank, and running tracks. Mix up your routine and stay motivated.
Young Adults Save More Aged 18–24 and back in Edinburgh? Get all the benefits of Full Fitness for just £31.99/month with no joining fee. It’s a great way to stay active, try new activities, and meet new people.
Climb Higher at Ratho Experience lead, speed, and bouldering at the Edinburgh Climbing Arena. With a £0 joining fee this September, enjoy access to world-class climbing walls and the new bouldering zone.
Unlimited Golf, Zero Joining Fee Whether you’re chasing a handicap or playing for fun, enjoy unlimited rounds at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s six scenic golf courses with a Golf Membership – and pay no joining fee this September.
Flexible Memberships for Every Lifestyle Edinburgh Leisure offers more gyms, pools, and classes than any other provider in the city. Choose from Full Fitness or single-activity memberships (gym, swim, or fitness classes) to suit your goals and budget.
Join this September with no joining fee!*
Enjoy member benefits including priority booking, free gym induction, and activity discounts. No contract required – freeze or cancel anytime.
As Glenogle Swim Centre in Stockbridge prepares to mark its 125th anniversary, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting the local community to help shape a unique legacy – a time capsule to be planted in the centre’s lovingly restored garden during a celebration event on Friday, 5th September 2025.
One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five cherished Victorian pools, Glenogle – affectionately known as Glennies – has been a cornerstone of the community since it opened on 7 September 1900.
Now, as it celebrates over a century of service, the centre is calling on locals to suggest or donate items for inclusion in the time capsule, which will be buried in the private garden at the Saxe-Coburg entrance.
Sam Machin, former leisure attendant and now owner of the popular Glenogle Café on the mezzanine level, said: “Glenogle is a unique venue at the heart of its community. We’d love for our customers and neighbours to contribute ideas or items that reflect life in 2025 or even their memories of Glennies.
“The time capsule will be a gift to the future – capturing the spirit of today for generations to come.”
The garden where the capsule will be planted is itself a symbol of community care and creativity. Over the past decade, Glenogle customers Marjorie Mantle and Andrew Dixon have transformed the once-neglected plot into a vibrant green space. Nestled through the arch at the Saxe-Coburg entrance, the garden sits on the site of an unfinished Georgian terrace, with a stairway leading down to the pool level.
Marjorie met Andrew and his wife through a regular morning gym class and started to share a nearby allotment plot. The two of them approached the then-manager Wendy Avinou in 2015 with a proposal to revitalise the Glenogle space. Together they improved the soil and planted a variety of flowers and foliage.
“It’s been a labour of love,” said Marjorie. “Seeing the garden flourish and hearing kind words from customers makes it all worthwhile.”
Glenogle’s story is also one of resilience. In the late 2000s, the centre faced the threat of closure. A passionate community campaign – Save Glenogle – led by Marjorie and supported by nearly 10,000 signatures, helped secure a £5.7 million refurbishment. The baths reopened in 2010, blending their original Victorian charm with modern facilities.
Designed by Edinburgh architect Robert Morham under the Public Baths and Wash-houses Act of 1846, Glenogle was originally built to improve public health. As indoor plumbing became more common, the baths evolved into a hub for swimming and fitness, serving generations of local residents and clubs.
Now, as Glenogle looks to the future, the time capsule and garden stand as living tributes to the community’s enduring connection to this historic venue.
Anyone with ideas or contributions for the time capsule is encouraged to contact Glenogle Café owner, Sam Machin at: sammachin@edinburghleisure.co.uk or drop into the café by 26th August.
Edinburgh Leisure Launches Citywide Coaching Campaign to Kickstart the New School Term
With just 59% of school-aged children meeting the recommended daily levels of physical activity, the start of the new school term is the perfect time to get kids moving. Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging families to help their children discover their next big passion through sport by signing up for one of its fun and engaging coaching courses.
With a spotlight on three exciting sports – Diving, Climbing, and Tennis – the campaign encourages children aged P1 and up to try something new, build skills, and have fun in a supportive, expert-led environment.
Whether they’re scaling new heights, making a splash, or smashing their first serve, there’s something for everyone.
Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We want to encourage parents to give their children a new exciting hobby to look forward to this term and sport could be their next big thing. As the leading provider of sports and leisure facilities, we have a wide range of coaching opportunities available across our venues for all abilities.
“Sports coaching offers so much more than just learning the game or skill – it helps children build confidence, develop strong listening and communication skills, and stay active in line with recommended exercise levels. It’s about nurturing life skills through movement, teamwork, and fun – giving every child the chance to grow both on and off the court, pitch, or pool.”
It is recommended that children and young people aged 5-18 years should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity daily, with some of this activity being bone and muscle strengthening.
Preschoolers, aged 3-5 years, should be active throughout the day, with at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.
In Scotland, it is estimated that approximately 69-71% of children aged 5-15 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, including school-based activities. When excluding school-based activities, this figure drops to about 59%. There’s a notable age-related decline, with younger children (5-7 years old) being more active (around 80%) than older teens (13-15 years old) (around 60%).
Why Join?
Fun and friendly coaching for all abilities
Expert instructors to guide every step
A great way to stay active, make friends, and build confidence
Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with The King’s Trust, is offering an exciting opportunity for young people aged 16-30 years to launch a career in lifeguarding through a comprehensive free training programme starting next month (August 2025).
To be eligible to apply, candidates must NOT be currently in full-time work or education (including school) and they must be aged between 16 and 30 years old.
Programme Highlights
The innovative ‘Get into Lifeguarding’ initiative provides a structured pathway to employment, featuring:
A pre-selection day with a swim test which will take place on 13 August
Free 1-week National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course
One week of work experience at one of Edinburgh Leisure pool venues
Mentorship from experienced staff
Job interview preparation
Up to six months of post-programme support
Reimbursed travel expenses and lunches
Programme Timeline
Week 1: King’s Trust Team Building & Employability Skills Workshops at King’s Trust Venue
Week 2: NPLQ course week at Edinburgh Leisure Venue.
Week 3: King’s Trust CV and Interview Preparation Workshops at King’s Trust Venue
Week 4: Work Placement Week at Edinburgh Leisure Venue.
Franek Karwacki, 18, from Trinity, is one of a previous cohort’s success stories. He left Trinity High School in summer 2024 with outstanding A-grade Highers and had been working part-time in a fish and chip shop.
Unlike many of his peers who pursued immediate university education, Franek chose an alternative path. Encouraged by his father, he applied to the ‘Get Into Lifeguarding Course’ offered by the King’s Trust in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, viewing it as an opportunity for professional development and personal growth.
Unlike his university-bound friends who were burning through their savings, it was an opportunity for him to earn a steady income in his ‘gap year’. The shift work didn’t bother him either with him enthusing: “I quite enjoy the earlies, starting at 5:30am and ending at 2pm, as it gives me time to pursue my passion for basketball,” he says.
The programme opened a door he hadn’t even considered before. “I hadn’t necessarily thought about lifeguarding as a career path,” Franek admitted, “but now I’ve gained skills that were completely paid for and got a job. The support from both Edinburgh Leisure and the King’s Trust transformed what could have been an uncertain period into a real opportunity.”
A year on, having worked as a lifeguard at Leith Victoria, the qualifications have springboarded him into his next chapter. He has recently left Edinburgh Leisure to finally join his peers by heading to university in Sweden to study Economics and Society.
“I’m going to be looking into lifeguarding opportunities while I’m in Sweden to support my studies, so the qualifications have definitely come in handy.”
Karen West, Manger at Portobello Swim Centre emphasised the programme’s broader mission: “This initiative is a win-win. We’re providing young people with a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially launch a career in the leisure industry.
“For many young people, like Franek, this could be life-changing for them.”
How to Apply
For Programme related enquiries and to apply, email by 7 August:
Edinburgh Leisure is calling on the public to lace up their walking shoes, don their tartan and join them for a cause that truly matters – helping older adults in Edinburgh stay active, connected, and happy.
On Saturday, 14th September 2025, a team from Edinburgh Leisure will be taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, walking to raise vital funds to support older adults across the city – and they want you to join them.
Every step taken and every pound raised will go directly towards improving the lives of older people – not just funding a project but making a real difference to real people.
The money raised will support participants of Ageing Well, one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes, which offers a lifeline of physical activity and social connection to older adults across the city.
Last year, almost 80 participants joined the Edinburgh Leisure Kiltwalk Team and raised £17,500, enabling the delivery of the 2024-25 project. This year they’re aiming for £15,000 to keep this life-changing work going. Every penny (plus gift aid) goes directly to Ageing Well.
All those signing up to the Kiltwalk to raise funds for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee and an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and a tartan-themed snood.
Rachael McCrae, Head of Funding for Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Many people don’t realise we’re a charity. Ageing Well supports older adults in Edinburgh to stay active and stay connected.
“It’s led by a fantastic team which includes many older adult volunteers and offers walking, cycling, gardening, buddy swimming and more. Like many charities with reduced funding, we’re feeling the pinch! Every pound raised will help keep this going – and with your Kiltwalk steps, you’ll get active too!”
The Kiltwalk has three walk lengths, which can be signed up, with the 50% reduced registration for:
The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £20£10 registration fee
The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £13.00£6.50 for adults, £7.00£3.50 for children
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme supports 14,700 people annually who face the greatest barriers to getting active– people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.
Your participation in the Kiltwalk will raise crucial funds to promote health, happiness, and connectedness among older adults in Edinburgh whilst contributing to a fantastic and enjoyable event.
To find out more about signing up with Edinburgh Leisure to walk the Kiltwalk, and to get your 50% discount,click here.
Find out more and join today – 
