Latest news with #WestLothianLeisure
Daily Record
07-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
West Lothian public pools and gyms get funding assurance from council
Councillors agreed to a 'letter of comfort' for the auditors of West Lothian Leisure (WLL) as the sports provider continues to fight back to strength after financial woes made worse by the Covid lockdown. Public gyms and swimming pools run by West Lothian Council's arms-length leisure trust have been given some security for the next year after funding of £1.4m was approved. Councillors agreed to a 'letter of comfort' for the auditors of West Lothian Leisure (WLL) as the sports provider continues to fight back to strength after financial woes made worse by the Covid lockdown. The Trust's CEO Ben Lamb hailed the guarantee of a 'vital partnership which has transformed lives'. Acting head of Finance at the council Kenneth Ribbons told a meeting of West Lothian' Council's Executive: 'Azets, WLL's external auditors, had asked that the council provide a 'letter of comfort' in relation to WLL's 2024/25 audit, for the financial year 2025/26. This is similar to that provided in relation to WLL's 2023/24 audit process'. He added: 'The 'letter of comfort'' will state that the council has determined that it will continue to undertake cash flow management with WLL, to allow WLL to meet its everyday cash liabilities in respect of the financial year 2025/26, to allow WLL to remain in credit at all times, thus allowing WLL to proceed as a going concern and meet everyday cash liabilities over the financial year.' Last year the Council Executive backed proposals that would allow the local sport and leisure charity to extend and improve their gym facilities at the Bathgate and Whitburn Xcite venues. The council undertook borrowing on behalf of West Lothian Leisure (WLL), to invest more than £870,000 to extend gym facilities at both centres, and refurbish the studio at Xcite Whitburn for classes and activities. This allows WLL to grow its membership and customer base, improve the customer experience at these sites, increase physical activity participation levels and generate more income going forward, as they aim to become fully self-funding by 2028. The full cost of the borrowing will be met by West Lothian Leisure from the increased levels of income generated, and would be cost neutral to the council. Responding to the council's confirmation of support Ben Lamb, CEO of West Lothian Leisure said: 'We are grateful to West Lothian Council for their continued support. 'This vital partnership has helped us transform lives, improve well-being, and reach more people - with 2.6 million visits in 2023/24 and £14.4 million in social value generated. 'As public funding reduces, we remain committed to building a sustainable future, while continuing to advocate for investment in services and initiatives that support access for those who need it most.' WLL's Xcite hubs are working with the council's Summer of Fun programme providing fully funded summer camps at all Xcite venues this July and August for Primary 1 (P1) to Primary 7 (P7) pupils. The summer camps which started on 30th June will run until 7 August,.Led by qualified Xcite coaches, the camps aim to help children stay active, build confidence, and make new friends during the summer holidays. Activities range from badminton, basketball, multi-sports, athletics and team building. The summer camps are being supported by four local food suppliers, which means that every child attending has something to eat and drink for free, daily. The importance of West Lothian Leisure's coaching schools outreach programme was highlighted recently at Seafield Primary School, where pupils enjoyed a Health Week thanks to the charity's coaching support.
Edinburgh Reporter
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
West Lothian Leisure goes beyond the pool
West Lothian Leisure took a new approach to mark Drowning Prevention Week this summer, by expanding its efforts beyond the pool. The local authority embedded vital water safety education in all its sporting disciplines – inspired and led by the Learn to Swim programme. The campaign is rooted in the Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, which helps more than 82,000 children build confidence and skills in the water every week in 167 pools in Scotland. To mark Drowning Prevention Week, West Lothian Leisure took the core principles of Learn to Swim even further. Instead of regular practice, swimming lessons across the trust were transformed into water safety workshops and uniquely, coaches from gymnastics, football, badminton and golf also delivered water safety messages through fun, creative activities. At the heart of the initiative was the 'Superheroes – Call 999!' theme, where children dressed as their favourite superheroes while learning the Water Safety Code. The campaign spanned all ages, from baby and adult swimming classes to sports sessions for young people, ensuring more families across West Lothian received life-saving knowledge. To ensure maximum impact, West Lothian Leisure coaches underwent targeted training and held a dedicated Focus Day. Throughout Drowning Prevention Week, water safety was reinforced through interactive learning, games, and competitions at venues across the region. This comprehensive approach came as latest figures reveal the ongoing risks around Scotland's waters, the National Water Safety Forum reported that tragically in 2024 there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland, highlighting the critical importance of water safety education heading into summer. Lorraine Pollock, Sports Development Manager at West Lothian Leisure, said: 'This initiative is powered by our participation in the Learn to Swim programme. Drowning Prevention Week is the perfect moment to showcase how water safety can reach far beyond swimming lessons. 'We've made it our mission to get every child – whether they're in the pool, on the football pitch or in the gym – engaging with water safety in a way that's fun, memorable, and potentially life-saving. Through our 'Superheroes – Call 999!' theme, we're making safety relatable for families across West Lothian.' West Lothian Leisure is one of 38 delivery partners of the Learn to Swim programme, a Scotland-wide initiative that equips children with skills for life – both in and around the water. John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is a fantastic example of the Learn to Swim ethos in action. West Lothian Leisure's all-sport approach demonstrates innovative thinking and shows how the programme can be adapted to reach even more families and communities with crucial water safety messages.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant over summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'So, it's great that Xcite are rolling their water safety sessions out beyond swim lessons and will reach even more people with the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water.' Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), is one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland. It aims to equip everyone with the skills and knowledge to stay safe around water. Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
04-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Support for West Lothian gyms and pools confirmed
Public gyms and swimming pools run by West Lothian Council's arms-length leisure trust have been given some security for the next year after funding of £1.4m was approved. Councillors agreed to a 'letter of comfort' for the auditors of West Lothian Leisure (WLL) as the sports provider continues to fight back to strength after financial woes made worse by the Covid lockdown. The Trust's CEO Ben Lamb hailed the guarantee of a 'vital partnership which has transformed lives'. Acting head of Finance at the council Kenneth Ribbons told a meeting of West Lothian' Council's Executive: 'Azets, WLL's external auditors, had asked that the council provide a 'letter of comfort' in relation to WLL's 2024/25 audit, for the financial year 2025/26. This is similar to that provided in relation to WLL's 2023/24 audit process' He added: 'The 'letter of comfort'' will state that the council has determined that it will continue to undertake cash flow management with WLL, to allow WLL to meet its everyday cash liabilities in respect of the financial year 2025/26, to allow WLL to remain in credit at all times, thus allowing WLL to proceed as a going concern and meet everyday cash liabilities over the financial year.' Last year the Council Executive backed proposals that would allow the local sport and leisure charity to extend and improve their gym facilities at the Bathgate and Whitburn Xcite venues. The council undertook borrowing on behalf of West Lothian Leisure (WLL), to invest more than £870,000 to extend gym facilities at both centres, and refurbish the studio at Xcite Whitburn for classes and activities. This allows WLL to grow its membership and customer base, improve the customer experience at these sites, increase physical activity participation levels and generate more income going forward, as they aim to become fully self-funding by 2028. The full cost of the borrowing will be met by West Lothian Leisure from the increased levels of income generated and would be cost neutral to the council. Responding to the council's confirmation of support Ben Lamb, CEO of West Lothian Leisure said: 'We are grateful to West Lothian Council for their continued support. 'This vital partnership has helped us transform lives, improve well-being, and reach more people – with 2.6 million visits in 2023/24 and £14.4 million in social value generated. 'As public funding reduces, we remain committed to building a sustainable future, while continuing to advocate for investment in services and initiatives that support access for those who need it most.' WLL's Xcite hubs are working with the council's Summer of Fun programme providing fully funded summer camps at all Xcite venues this July and August for Primary 1 (P1) to Primary 7 (P7) pupils. The summer camps which started on 30th June will run until 7 August, . Led by qualified Xcite coaches, the camps aim to help children stay active, build confidence, and make new friends during the summer holidays. Activities range from badminton, basketball, multi-sports, athletics and team building. The summer camps are being supported by four local food suppliers, which means that every child attending has something to eat and drink for free, daily. The importance of West Lothian Leisure's coaching schools outreach programme was highlighted recently at Seafield Primary School, where pupils enjoyed a Health Week thanks to the charity's coaching support. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
04-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian public pools and gyms get funding assurance from council
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 Public gyms and swimming pools run by West Lothian Council's arms-length leisure trust have been given some security for the next year after funding of £1.4m was approved. Councillors agreed to a 'letter of comfort' for the auditors of West Lothian Leisure (WLL) as the sports provider continues to fight back to strength after financial woes made worse by the Covid lockdown. The Trust's CEO Ben Lamb hailed the guarantee of a 'vital partnership which has transformed lives'. Acting head of Finance at the council Kenneth Ribbons told a meeting of West Lothian' Council's Executive: 'Azets, WLL's external auditors, had asked that the council provide a 'letter of comfort' in relation to WLL's 2024/25 audit, for the financial year 2025/26. This is similar to that provided in relation to WLL's 2023/24 audit process' He added: 'The 'letter of comfort'' will state that the council has determined that it will continue to undertake cash flow management with WLL, to allow WLL to meet its everyday cash liabilities in respect of the financial year 2025/26, to allow WLL to remain in credit at all times, thus allowing WLL to proceed as a going concern and meet everyday cash liabilities over the financial year.' Last year the Council Executive backed proposals that would allow the local sport and leisure charity to extend and improve their gym facilities at the Bathgate and Whitburn Xcite venues. The council undertook borrowing on behalf of West Lothian Leisure (WLL), to invest more than £870,000 to extend gym facilities at both centres, and refurbish the studio at Xcite Whitburn for classes and activities. This allows WLL to grow its membership and customer base, improve the customer experience at these sites, increase physical activity participation levels and generate more income going forward, as they aim to become fully self-funding by 2028. The full cost of the borrowing will be met by West Lothian Leisure from the increased levels of income generated, and would be cost neutral to the council. Responding to the council's confirmation of support Ben Lamb, CEO of West Lothian Leisure said: 'We are grateful to West Lothian Council for their continued support. 'This vital partnership has helped us transform lives, improve well-being, and reach more people – with 2.6 million visits in 2023/24 and £14.4 million in social value generated. 'As public funding reduces, we remain committed to building a sustainable future, while continuing to advocate for investment in services and initiatives that support access for those who need it most.' WLL's Xcite hubs are working with the council's Summer of Fun programme providing fully funded summer camps at all Xcite venues this July and August for Primary 1 (P1) to Primary 7 (P7) pupils. The summer camps which started on 30th June will run until 7 August, . Led by qualified Xcite coaches, the camps aim to help children stay active, build confidence, and make new friends during the summer holidays. Activities range from badminton, basketball, multi-sports, athletics and team building. The summer camps are being supported by four local food suppliers, which means that every child attending has something to eat and drink for free, daily. The importance of West Lothian Leisure's coaching schools outreach programme was highlighted recently at Seafield Primary School, where pupils enjoyed a Health Week thanks to the charity's coaching support. Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Xciting summer ahead for young people at free camps in West Lothian venues
They aim to help children build confidence and make new friends West Lothian Leisure (Xcite) has announced the launch of free summer camps at all of its venues during the school summer holidays. In partnership with West Lothian Council, the fully funded camps are for primary school pupils (P1 to P7) and will run until August 7 offering structured, inclusive physical activity sessions. Led by qualified Xcite coaches, the camps aim to help children stay active, build confidence, and make new friends during the summer holidays. Activities will range from badminton, basketball, multi-sports, athletics, team building, all delivered in a fun and supportive environment. The summer camps are part of the charities' broader commitment to making health and wellbeing more accessible for families and children across West Lothian. They are generously being supported by four local food suppliers, which means that every child attending has something to eat and drink for free, daily. George Anderson and Son will be donating fresh fruit packs, Kellogg's are donating cereal bars, Bidfood are donating KP crisps and Soreen bars and A.G Barr are donating bottled drinks. The importance of West Lothian Leisure's coaching schools outreach programme was highlighted recently at Seafield Primary School, where pupils enjoyed their most engaging Health Week yet thanks to the charities' coaching support. West Lothian Leisure was responsible for delivering a day of activities at Seafield Primary which saw every pupil participating in activities including athletics and basketball, as well as team challenges and novelty sports such as axe throwing. Staff reported a noticeable boost in pupil engagement, especially among pupils who are typically more reluctant to take part in physical activities. This approach helped create a welcoming environment where every child felt encouraged to get involved. Seafield Primary's Headteacher, Lynne Egan, said: 'We are grateful for the support of West Lothian Leisure, which enhanced Health Week for our pupils. Thanks to their involvement, the children had the opportunity to discover and enjoy a variety of different sports and activities. "Their team brought energy, structure, and a warm, professional approach that got every child involved. Several pupils discovered they were able to perform better than they initially thought. Feedback from the children has been exceptionally positive and they spoke enthusiastically about the axe throwing for days after the event.' Lorraine Pollock, Sports Development Manager at West Lothian Leisure said: 'We're so pleased that our involvement has received such positive feedback. 'We know summer can be a challenging time for many families, particularly when it comes to cost and access to quality activities. So we're delighted to announce the free summer camps that are taking place across all our venues this July and August. "Our mission is to remove barriers and support wellbeing from a young age, helping to build a healthier, happier and longer life for every child in West Lothian. "We are particularly grateful for the generous donations from George Anderson and Son, Kellogg's, Bidfood and A.G Barr, which means that every child gets something to eat and drink for free at the camps, daily.'
