Tag: Edinburgh Leisure

Immediate action needed to secure future of Edinburgh South Community Football Club, warns Ian Murray MP

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.

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Moving Edinburgh Forward: National Fitness Day and Edinburgh Leisure’s Vision for an Active City

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.

Edinburgh Leisure’s ‘Balanced Life’ programme supports older adults to prevent falls

WORLD FALLS DAY – 22nd SEPTEMBER

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.

To find out more about Balanced Life or how to refer someone, visit https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/balanced-life/ or speak to your local health practitioner.

If you would like to find out more about how people can reduce their risk of falling, visit https://services.nhslothian.scot/fallssupport/i-live-in-edinburgh/

Get Fit For Less


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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

👉 Find out more and join today – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/memberships/

Planting the Past, Growing the Future: Glenogle Swim Centre invites community to celebrate 125 Years

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.

Sport Could Be Their New Big Thing

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
  • Flexible options across the city

Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit:

 https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/coaching-activities/ 

to explore available sessions and sign up.

Let this term be the start of something big – because Diving, Climbing, or Tennis could be their next big thing!

Free Lifeguard Training opens doors for young Edinburgh talent

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. 

Week 5:         Guaranteed Interviews & Celebration Event with Edinburgh Leisure & King’s Trust

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:

CentralSouthEastScotlandOperations@kingstrust.org.uk 

Spaces are limited to 12 participants. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity!

Walk The Walk – Change Lives With Every Step

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 Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles) – £20 £10 registration fee 
  • 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.

To find out more about the Kiltwalk, click here.

Springboard into diving

Edinburgh Leisure is on the hunt for the next generation of divers. For those who have been inspired by divers such as Jack Laugher, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix (daughter of Fred!) and Tom Daley, Edinburgh Leisure is offering the opportunity for children to come and try diving with our experienced coaches at the Royal Commonwealth Pool to see if they have a talent for the sport.

Children should be between 5 and 16 years old, able to swim 10 metres unaided, confident in deep water and submerge in water without googles.  No experience in necessary as they will be learning basic skills but those interested in gymnastics, trampolining, acrobatics or similar sports might enjoy this opportunity to try a new sport.

Priced at just £3, the diving taster sessions at the Royal Commonwealth Pool are offered on:

Monday 4 – Friday 8 August at 17.10 – 17.40

To secure a place, interested people should visit the Edinburgh Leisure website – https://shorturl.at/uLDKw

Edinburgh Leisure offers a world class diving programme at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, complete with a dedicated Dry Dive Area with trampolines and harnesses, which enables more experienced divers to practice the twists and turns before trying them out on the boards.

Their diving programme follows the National Diving Award Scheme right through to competitive level.

Athletes training at the Royal Commonwealth Pool include local Edinburgh boy, James Heatly (GB); Yona Knight-Wisdom (Jamaica) and Grace Reid, who grew up in the capital, are amongst other Olympians who have previously trained at the Commie.

For more information: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/coaching-activities/diving/

Dalry Swim Centre celebrates 130 years at the Heart of the Community

One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five cherished Victorian pools, Dalry Swim Centre, is marking a remarkable milestone – 130 years of serving the city – with a day of celebration on Monday, 14th July.

“Dalry has been at the heart of the community for decades,” said Wendy Avinou, Manager at Dalry Swim Centre. “We’re so lucky to have this gem of a building still in use today. Generations have learnt to swim here – grandparents, parents, and now their children. It’s a living legacy.”

To mark the occasion, staff will be donning Victorian swimwear in a light-hearted video to be shared on social media ahead of the big day. The team is also inviting past and present swimmers to stop by and share their memories.

John Duke, a regular swimmer at Dalry remembers: “I’ve been swimming at Dalry since the early ’90s and used to come after work at Oven Fresh, and even after moving house twice, I kept coming back. I brought my grandkids here three times a week, and I’ve been part of the over-60s sessions every Monday and Wednesday.

“Dalry’s always had a personal feel. The staff know me, they know my medical needs – I have diabetes, and they’ve always looked out for me. After my first shoulder operation, I used the pool for rehab – though I could only last five minutes in the sauna before the metal in my arm started heating up.

“Some of my favourite memories are the Christmas parties for the over-60s. They’d bring out a giant inflatable dog that took up half the pool, and we’d have a laugh before heading upstairs for sandwiches and a wee drink. Billy Reid, the supervisor, even dressed up as Santa!  It’s not just the pool – it’s the staff and other customers that make Dalry special.”

Grove Swimming Club, founded in 1901 and still training at Dalry, will showcase a nostalgic display of historic photos, medals, and trophies. They are due to celebrate their 125th anniversary next year.

One former member fondly recalls:“I was a member of Grove back in the 1950s. I went to Balgreen School, and we were taken to ‘the baths’ – I loved Dalry.

“After swimming, we’d grab a wee ‘shivery bite’ from the shop down the road before catching the bus home. Those were the days.”

And another member, Christine Baker, who is still involved with Grove Swimming Club said: “Dalry was a huge part of my childhood—from baths in the upper gallery to learning to swim with my dad.

“I joined Grove Swimming Club in the ’60s and I’m still involved today. So many happy memories.”

Children from Dalry Primary School have contributed artwork celebrating the centre’s history, which will be proudly displayed in the foyer.

Adding historical depth to the celebrations, Jackie Sangster from Historic Environment Scotland will deliver a talk on the legacy of Edinburgh’s Victorian swimming baths.

Many of the city’s contemporary swimming pools were part of a scheme to build public baths to promote cleanliness and hygiene among the working classes, who did not have routine access to such facilities. To attend, please contact Martin Bews, Operations Manager: martinbews@edinburghleisure.co.uk to register your interest and confirm timings.

Dalry Swim Centre, with its elegant 7-bay Italianate façade and sunlit 25-yard pool, has been a community cornerstone since 1895. In 2010, it was saved from closure thanks to a passionate local campaign backed by 3,500 petitioners, MSP Sarah Boyack, and Councillor Donald Wilson. A major refurbishment in 2018–2019 modernised the facility while preserving its historic charm.

Dalry is one of five stunning Victorian pools operated by Edinburgh Leisure, alongside Warrender, Leith Victoria, Glenogle, and Portobello. These venues blend timeless architecture with modern amenities—including upgraded changing rooms, energy-efficient systems, and warm, welcoming spaces.

Part of Edinburgh 900 Celebrations

Dalry’s anniversary is part of Edinburgh Leisure’s “City of Leisure” theme for Edinburgh 900.

Visit Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 exhibitions, all under one roof at St James Quarter on Leith Street (next to Mor Bakery) on until 15 July, 10:00 – 16:00, to explore:

  • Great Lengths – the story of Edinburgh’s Victorian pools
  • Your Health is for Life – 25 things you didn’t know about Edinburgh Leisure 

Edinburgh Leisure staff will be on hand to discuss membership options, fundraising, and volunteering.

As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across Edinburgh, Edinburgh Leisure helps people enjoy healthier, happier, and more active lives.

Their facilities and programmes serve community members of all ages and abilities. As a charitable trust, every penny they receive goes back into supporting the health and wellbeing of Edinburgh residents.