Fife's flagship leisure centres re-open after 180 days in lockdown

Kirkcaldy’s leisure centre has welcomed its first customers back after 180 days in lockdown.

It opened for the first time on Monday as Fife Sports and Leisure Trust began a phased return of its facilities.

Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre on the Esplanade,, Michael Woods Sports Centre in Glenrothes, and Pitreavie Athletics Centre, in Dunfermline were the first three of the charitable trust’s facilities to start up after being closed since March.

The trust received over 2700 bookings in the first seven day of it launching its online booking system.

The sports hall welcomed group fitness participants including John Doherty, from Kirkcaldy.

He said: “I’m really grateful for the trust’s online classes since the lockdown but I am delighted to be back – the layout and easy-to-follow safety protocols are great. Staff are really helpful and I’ve missed being in a live classes with instructors.”

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Louise Graham from Lochgelly also attended Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre.

She said: “I felt a bit anxious about returning but I am delighted with the way the sports hall is set up. I also found the online booking easy and I prefer being back to classes than online videos.”

Emma Walker, chief executive, said the response to the doors opening had been excellent.

She added: “It’s hugely rewarding to be able to welcome customers back to trust facilities – it’s been a long wait.

“We have had a fantastic response to our re-opening and have been very encouraged by the numbers of people taking the opportunity to book online.

“We remain vigilant with regards customer and staff health and safety and we are confident with the protocols we have in place with are in keeping with government, NHS and industry guidelines.”

The trust’s phased return continues on September 28 when East Sands Leisure Centre, Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre, Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre and Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre re-open.

On October 12, users can return to Duloch, Waterstone and Cupar Leisure Centres and Bowhill Swimming Pool while the Beacon Leisure Centre in Burntisland re-opens last on October 26.

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