Seven Edinburgh pools to stay closed after government reopening date

Just three public pools in the Capital will reopen when allowed to by the Scottish Government in September, Edinburgh Leisure has confirmed.

The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Ainslie Park Leisure Centre and Drumbrae Leisure centre are currently due to open on September 14 in line with government guidance.

This will leave seven pools still closed, at Gracemount, Portobello, Leith Victoria, Dalry, Glenogle, Warrender and Queensferry High.

Edinburgh Leisure, which operates the pools, said that while it is currently planning for other venues to open later on an incremental basis, the financial implications of reopening must first be considered.

The leisure centre is facing “significant financial challenges” as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown, a spokesperson said.

A source within Edinburgh Council said the decision was “all about cost savings”.

"Edinburgh Leisure are very reluctant to bring all their staff back in, which seems to be the main reason for centres not reopening,” they said.

Sports clubs in Edinburgh which use the pool facilities were briefed via video call this week of the decision to open only three pools initially.

The pools will be reopened on September 14 in line with Scottish Government guidance allowing the opening of indoor facilities including pools, gyms, soft play areas and indoor sports courts.

Government officials will review the plans on September 10, with the possibility of the date being delayed or brought forward depending on Covid-19 circumstances.

Conservative Councillor Phil Doggart, who sits on the Culture and Communities committee, questioned why the opening of remaining pools has been delayed.

“If you can open three and that’s permissible within the guidelines, why aren’t we opening them all?” he said.

“For my ward there’s nothing particularly close, the Commie Pool would be the only option, and people will be driving to the Commie Pool which I guess the council will not want."

Liberal Democrat Councillor Hal Osler, also on the committee, stressed that while she hopes the other pools will open soon she does not want to see them opened too quickly and forced to close again due to infection.

She said: “I know the impact this is having on people’s mental health, and it’s critical to get people back in these situations, get children back swimming, get them back to exercise, reduce anxiety, all these things. We need to get these centres open, but I want to make sure we get them open and then they’re safely used. It’s a very difficult position.”

Edinburgh Leisure CEO June Peebles warned at the beginning of lockdown that closure of facilities would have “huge consequences” for the organisation.

She thanked those members who had continued paying their fees despite centres being closed, and added that not many people realise Edinburgh Leisure is a charity.

"Every penny we receive from memberships, coaching, lets, events and funding is reinvested back into our venues and funds the services we provide – therefore shutting our venues and freezing customers’ memberships has huge consequences for us and also the health of Edinburgh,” she said.