Public swimming returns to Badenoch and Strathspey
Public swimming has returned to the strath for the first time in six months with the reopening of the pool at Grantown’s Craig MacLean Sports Centre.
Swimmers were welcomed back on Monday afternoon at the High Life Highland (HLH) venue.
Fraser Tulloch, HLH’s Badenoch and Strathspey facility manager, said they were delighted to open the doors after such a long period away.
He said: “I would thank Grantown Grammar School’s head teacher (Claire McGonigal) and staff for their support and helping us get to this position.
“Customers will see some changes but nothing that they have not seen in other businesses and I am sure will now be used to.
“This will include requirements for increased hand hygiene using the sanitising stations provided, as well as the use of face coverings and controlled entry to the centre using our booking systems.
“All the systems put in place are in line with the Scottish Government guidelines to ensure we play our part in mitigating the further spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Mr Tulloch added: “It is great that this day has finally arrived, and our Highlife members and customers can return to indoor activities.”
The pool and the other sports facilities at the site are now operating Monday to Friday 7.15am to 8.30am for gym, swim and Fitplus classes and 4.15pm to 9pm for gym, lane swimming and fitness classes.
The centre is open 9am to 1pm at weekends including for family splash sessions.
A HLH spokesman said they were seeing a good return of customers and there had been some great feedback including from those who felt assured by the Covid-19 safety measures put in place.
He said: “Across the board in Badenoch and Strathspey the general occupancy is averaging 50 per cent to 60 per cent capacity.
“The Badenoch Centre in Kingussie, which has been opened the longest, has 85 per cent attendance in most fitness classes. Our busiest classes across the strath are yoga, barbell, indoor cycling, cross training, cardio club and Fitplus.
“We are looking to bring online swim lessons and kids activities in October to boost numbers.”
The pool at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort is currently only open to its guests due to limits on capacity. No-one for the company was able to say when it would reopen to HLH customers.
