High Life Highland to start discussions over return of community sports facilities at schools
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Discussions are to start with individual head teachers at Highland schools where sports facilities were also available for community use before lockdown.
As schools have returned access for non-school staff has been limited for safety reason.
High Life Highland (HLH), which provides sports and cultural services across the region, is now to begin discussions with individual head teachers about access to the school estate for its staff to start the process of preparing sites for community use once more.
HLH chairman Ian Ross said: "Since the start of the pandemic in March, the phrase, ‘we are all in this together’ may have become somewhat overused; however, the arrangements that HLH has managed to reach in discussion with colleagues in Highland Council demonstrates it is every bit as accurate today as it was six months ago.
"The board and I fully appreciate and support the council’s decision to limit non-school staff entering schools and prioritising the safety of pupils as they returned to full-time education.
"However, I am extremely pleased that we have agreement whereby HLH will now start discussions with individual head teachers that will enable our staff to access the school estate and commence the process of preparing the community sites which had been temporarily 'reserved' for educational purposes.
"On this basis, I understand our staff will be granted access starting next week, and we are therefore looking forward to being able to have all HLH leisure, swimming and fitness sites opening over the first few of weeks of September."
It was confirmed this afternoon that the Wick campus pool and fitness area will reopen this Monday however.
All other leisure centres and swimming pools will reopen to the public on the same date with pre-booked users of Inverness Leisure able to access the pool and gym there from midnight on Sunday into Monday morning.
Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of the council's education committee said: "The council’s primary focus for the school estate was to get pupils safely back in the buildings and returning to full-time education.
"However, the council was also fully aware of the importance around communities gaining access to local leisure and recreation facilities in order to support individual physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“I am pleased that Highland Council have been able to work with colleagues in High Life Highland in order to enable the necessary arrangements to be made giving its staff access to schools.
"This will therefore allow highlife cardholders and customers to safely access community facilities located in schools."
HLH customers will be required to use an online booking system to access all indoor leisure and recreation activities.
Further details can be found on highlifehighland.com or local leisure centre social media pages.
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