Coronavirus in Scotland: This is when Edinburgh's Royal Commonwealth Pool and three other leisure centres will reopen as facilities to open in stages

The first facilities to reopen in the Capital will be The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre and Ainslie Park Leisure Centre.

But a message published on the council-backed charity's website says these four venues will not reopen until Monday, September 14.

Ms Sturgeon only revealed on Thursday during a review of phase three restrictions that gyms, pools and indoor sports courts would be allowed to reopen in Scotland from August 31 - not September 14 as previously planned.

Edinburgh Leisure, which has about 1,000 employees, runs more than 30 venues across the city but just four of the larger venues will initially reopen, with another four potentially reopening a week later.

The message on their website says the aim is to reopen venues on an "incremental basis."

This will be done to allow staff to get used to new working environments after five months of closure, including operating with reduced fitness class sizes and online gym bookings to facilitate social distancing, and the need to maintain strict hygiene measures.

Financial challenges

It is hoped all leisure centres will eventually be able to reopen but, like many other industries just now, the future is not certain due to financial challenges - and bringing everyone back from furlough at the same time is not possible.

The message on their website reads: "Public leisure services, many charities and businesses throughout the country are faced with significant financial challenges due to lost income during lockdown and the prospect of operating at reduced capacity to comply with physical distancing measures, and it’s the same for Edinburgh Leisure.

"However, the Edinburgh Leisure team have never shied away from a challenge and we are still committed to supporting and enabling the citizens of Edinburgh to live active and healthy lives."

Their message goes on to say staff will contact their customers directly in the coming weeks on plans and dates for reopening other indoor venues.

It asks members to keep checking their website and social media channels for more details on what activities are available.

The message adds: "We’re introducing a number of changes to ensure a clean and safe environment for you and our employees, fitness instructors, coaches and volunteers.

"Thank you in advance for your cooperation with all the changes and also for your patience."

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