Latest news with #EdinburghLeisure
Scotsman
03-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Leisure launches new inclusive fitness programme for adults with additional support needs
Edinburgh Leisure has expanded its commitment to inclusive fitness by launching a comprehensive new programme of gym sessions and exercise classes specifically designed for adults with additional support needs. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The new "Fit and Active" initiative offers a diverse range of weekly activities across two venues, with all sessions free to attend for cardholders. Classes include seated strength training, danceability sessions, gymability workouts, inclusive circuits, retro dance, and seated cardio options. "We're delighted to introduce these new classes that provide accessible fitness opportunities for adults with additional support needs," said Sara Kemp, Community Development Officer (Equalities) at Edinburgh Leisure. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Our goal is to ensure everyone in our community has the chance to stay active and healthy in a supportive, welcoming environment." New fitness classes offered by Edinburgh Leisure for adults with additional needs The programme runs throughout the week at both Meadowbank Sport Centre and Leith Victoria Swim Centre, with sessions carefully scheduled to provide regular opportunities for participants. Activities range from traditional gym-based workouts to creative movement classes like danceability and retro dance. Weekly Schedule: Monday: 1:1 gym sessions at both venues Tuesday: Four different classes at Meadowbank including seated strength, danceability, gymability, and inclusive circuits Wednesday: Danceability class at Leith Victoria Thursday: Gymability sessions at Leith Victoria Friday: Retro dance and seated cardio classes at Meadowbank All sessions are included free of charge with a Fit and Active card. Interested participants can apply for their card by emailing [email protected]. New fitness classes offered by Edinburgh Leisure for adults with additional needs The programme represents Edinburgh Leisure's ongoing commitment to providing inclusive recreational opportunities for all members of the Edinburgh community, ensuring that fitness and wellbeing services are accessible to people of all abilities. For more information about the Fit and Active programme or to apply for a membership card, contact Edinburgh Leisure at [email protected].
Scotsman
03-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Artist Rhona Taylor to showcase 'Immersive: Exploring the Commie Pool' at Royal Commonwealth Pool during Architecture Fringe
Visual artist Rhona Taylor will present an exhibition Immersive: Exploring the Commie Pool at the Royal Commonwealth Pool's café from 6-22 June 2025, as part of the Architecture Fringe festival. The exhibition showcases original prints that delve into the architectural and social significance of one of Edinburgh's most iconic public spaces. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Immersive features a collection of original prints by Taylor that explore the Royal Commonwealth Pool's role as both an architectural landmark and a vital community hub. The exhibition forms part of the artist's broader research project examining swimming pools as social, public and cultural spaces, with particular focus on their architecture, history, and contemporary uses. "The prints in Immersive have developed from research into the building, its development, and its changing use since it was built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games," said Taylor. '"I love swimming in the Commie, so it's been great fun digging into the archives to find out more about some of the things that went on behind the scenes when it was built" Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The exhibition is presented in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, which operates the Royal Commonwealth Pool. This collaboration highlights the organisation's commitment to supporting arts and culture within the community spaces they manage. New exhibition at the Royal Commonwealth Pool by artist Rhona Taylor "We're delighted to partner with Rhona Taylor for this fascinating exploration of our building and its place in Edinburgh's cultural landscape," said Ed Bethune, Operations Manager at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. "The Royal Commonwealth Pool has been serving our community for over 50 years, and it's wonderful to see an artist capture both its architectural significance and its ongoing role as a space where people come together for health, recreation, and community connection." The Architecture Fringe, running from 6-22 June, celebrates the intersection of architecture, design, and public space across Edinburgh. Taylor's exhibition fits perfectly within this framework, examining how built environments shape community interaction and social experience. Rhona Taylor is a visual artist based in Edinburgh whose studio practice encompasses painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and installations. She is a member at Edinburgh Printmakers, where she creates her screenprints. Her current research focuses on swimming pools as social, public and cultural spaces in Scotland and internationally. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The exhibition is supported by Edinburgh Leisure, Creative Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council through the Visual Artist and Craft Makers Awards (VACMA) Edinburgh. Immersive: Exploring the Commie Pool will be on display at the Royal Commonwealth Pool café throughout the Architecture Fringe period, with the venue located at 21 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 5BB.
Edinburgh Reporter
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinbrick raises thousands for Fairy Brick charity
The charity Lego based event which took place at Meadowbank Sports Centre last month raised £20,763 for the charity, Fairy Bricks. Edinbrick, Scotland's Biggest LEGO Display show raised a new fundraising record of £20763 for their charity partner of Fairy Bricks in 2025. Run on an all volunteer basis for charity Edinbrick's team of organisers, volunteers and displayers were supported by their biggest attendance in their new bigger venue at Meadowbank. The 2025 show not only broke records for Fund Raising but also the number of displays and attendance. The move to Meadowbank is considered to be a great success for the team with the extra space allowing for the biggest ever display at Edinbrick – the 8m long Forth Bridge Model. Lead organiser Doug Adamson gave thanks to everyone who came to the show. 'The feedback from ticket holders has been overwhelming positive. Everyone who was part of the show from the volunteers to the displayers to the visitors contributed to the best Edinbrick Show ever. Our mission at Edinbrick is to put on a fun , family friendly charity event. Each year we say we want to be bigger and better than the year before – and thanks to the efforts of everyone involved behind the scenes, our charity partner, our volunteers and displayers we've got a lot to live up to for next year. 'Our new venue of Meadowbank Sports Centre couldn't have been more welcoming all the Edinburgh Leisure staff were brilliant to work with. We knew moving to our third venue in as many years was a risk, as it meant more capacity for visitors but we sold out the show weeks in advance once again. Not ones for resting despite being an all volunteer team we are already working on Edinbrick 2026.' Following on from the most successful Edinbrick show, the dates for 2026 have already been confirmed for the 9th & 10th of May 2026 at Meadowbank Sports Centre. A special offer for tickets has been announced for a limited time 2026 tickets will be priced at 2025 prices only £6.50 for ages 5 and up. Tickets for 2026 are available at © 2025 Martin McAdam Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Art show at the Commie
Visual artist Rhona Taylor will present an exhibition Immersive: Exploring the Commie Pool at the Royal Commonwealth Pool's café from 6-22 June 2025, as part of the Architecture Fringe festival. The exhibition will display original prints showing the architectural and social significance of one of Edinburgh's public spaces. Immersive features a collection of original prints by Ms Taylor examining the Royal Commonwealth Pool's role as both an architectural landmark and a community hub. The exhibition is part of the artist's broader research project examining swimming pools as social, public and cultural spaces, with particular focus on their architecture, history, and contemporary uses. Rhona said: 'The prints in Immersive have developed from research into the building, its development, and its changing use since it was built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games. I love swimming in the Commie, so it's been great fun digging into the archives to find out more about some of the things that went on behind the scenes when it was built.' The exhibition is presented in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, which operates the Royal Commonwealth Pool for the council. This collaboration highlights the organisation's commitment to supporting arts and culture within the community spaces they manage. Ed Bethune, Operations Manager at the Royal Commonwealth Pool said: 'We're delighted to partner with Rhona Taylor for this fascinating exploration of our building and its place in Edinburgh's cultural landscape. The Royal Commonwealth Pool has been serving our community for over 50 years, and it's wonderful to see an artist capture both its architectural significance and its ongoing role as a space where people come together for health, recreation, and community connection.' The Architecture Fringe, from 6-22 June, will look at the intersection of architecture, design, and public space across Edinburgh, and Rhona Taylor's exhibition fits perfectly in the framework. Rhona is a visual artist based in Edinburgh whose studio practice encompasses painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and installations. She is a member of Edinburgh Printmakers, where she creates her screenprints. Her current research focuses on swimming pools as social, public and cultural spaces in Scotland and internationally. The exhibition is supported by Edinburgh Leisure, Creative Scotland, and The City of Edinburgh Council through the Visual Artist and Craft Makers Awards (VACMA) Edinburgh. Immersive: Exploring the Commie Pool The Royal Commonwealth Pool café 21 Dalkeith Road EH16 5BB Artist Rhona Taylor with some of her work PHOTO Greg Macvean Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh mums take on challenge to raise money for charity that 'provided a lifeline'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A group of mums are teaming up for the Edinburgh marathon to raise money for a charity close to their hearts. The four mothers - who bonded through a local exercise group - are hoping to raise funds for Active Mum's due to the support it provided for them to return to fitness after childbirth. They will be running as a relay team. The programme is part of Edinburgh Leisure's Active Communities initiative. The group will join 55 other people participating on behalf of Edinburgh Leisure at the Marathon events. Chio Martinez, one of the relay team members, said: "Like many people looking for a fundraising challenge in 2025, I signed up to raise funds for Active Communities and Edinburgh Leisure by taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. "Of course, there are lots of other big-name charities out there, but funding for smaller projects is under threat in Edinburgh, and this is my way of giving something back. 'Active Mums has been a lifeline for me and other mothers with young babies and toddlers. It's not just about fitness—it's created a community where I've formed meaningful connections, established a vital routine, and found reasons to leave the house on those challenging days. "The programme offers clear fitness milestones in a judgment-free environment where we all understand the unique struggles of postpartum wellness. It's given me the confidence to take on the EMF challenge—something I never would have considered before. We're all excited to step up to this challenge together, and it's become the perfect motivation to keep moving forward on our fitness journeys." The Active Mums relay team has already exceeded their fundraising target and have raised £945, which is 150% of their £600 fundraising target. The marathon fundraising effort comes as Edinburgh Leisure marks the second Seriously Social Week from May 16 to 12 as part of a national campaign showcasing the work of charities that prioritise people over profit, connect communities, and promote health, happiness, and creativity for all ages and abilities. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Organised by Community Leisure UK, each day of Seriously Social Week highlights how organisations like Edinburgh Leisure create social impact and foster healthier, happier communities. The campaign focuses on five key themes: health and wellbeing, community, inclusion, employment and skills, and the environment. Jen Holland, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure, stated: "We are proud to be part of a network of charities operating with a social conscience, delivering social good through public leisure services. Our core mission is about purpose, not profit, helping people first. "We support Edinburgh in becoming healthier and happier with quality health and wellbeing services for everyone, regardless of age or ability, including those with serious health conditions, which helps reduce the financial burden on the NHS." To donate to Edinburgh Leisure's Active Mums or other Active Communities programmes, you can visit here:
