I have recently raised concerns with High Life Highland about the facilities at Gairloch Gym, on behalf of myself and many other locals who use the gym regularly.

 

My brother and I have been using the gym since we were in high school, and over the years we have seen very little improvement in the facilities. I know I am not the only person who feels that Gairloch Gym has fallen behind what you would reasonably expect from a local leisure facility, particularly when compared with other gyms in the Highland area. This is what prompted me to raise the concerns with High Life Highland. 

 

I completely appreciate that Gairloch is a small rural community and that the gym is located on school grounds, which naturally places limitations on space and opening hours. I am not expecting Gairloch to have the same facilities as a large town or city. However, I do believe that locals should still have access to the basic equipment you would reasonably expect to find in a gym. There is a difference between having a smaller gym and having an under-equipped gym.

Gairloch Leisure centre is a great asset to our community and I appreciate how hard the staff work and everything they have done to support improvements. The main concern at present is the strength and conditioning provision. The gym has some useful equipment, including a cable machine, leg press, seated row and chest press, but the range of free weights remains very limited. A power rack that was kindly donated by a local member has also recently been taken out of use following an inspection, further reducing the options available for strength training. 

 

My original request was not for a major refurbishment, but I do think there is an opportunity to look at how the existing space could be used and whether the strength and conditioning provision could be improved more broadly. Relatively small improvements, such as a proper range of heavier dumbbells would make a significant difference. There may also be opportunities to make better use of currently unused spaces within the facility. 

 

There is now some positive movement following discussions with High Life Highland and Councillor Liz Kraft. High Life Highland has said that it is keen to explore how strength and conditioning provision at Gairloch could be enhanced, including looking at opportunities that could benefit both pupils and the wider community. 

 

I recently met with managers from High Life Highland, Councillor Kraft and my brother to discuss what might be possible. There is currently no identified budget and no guarantee that a project will go ahead, but the first steps are now being taken. High Life Highland will now look at potential spaces, discuss the possibilities with the school and arrange for their Head of Investment and Programme Management, Simon Swanson to visit the site and assess what could be done and the associated costs. 

 

There has also been discussions about the possibility of suitable refurbished equipment being transferred from other High Life Highland facilities when it becomes available. This could provide a useful upgrade for Gairloch, and I would welcome this if suitable, good quality equipment becomes available.  

 

For me, this is about more than simply having a better gym. Gairloch has only one local gym, meaning travelling to another facility is not a realistic alternative for many people. As a physiotherapist, I also see the importance of strength and physical activity for people of all ages, particularly in an ageing rural population such as Gairloch. Strength training can support mobility, bone health, rehabilitation and independence, as well as helping to prevent frailty and falls. Appropriate facilities are also important for younger people, local sports groups and anyone trying to maintain an active lifestyle. 

 

I have also had a meeting with the Gairloch Community Council, which has confirmed that it wholeheartedly supports the objective of improving the Gairloch Leisure facilities. This is extremely encouraging. 

 

I would now like to hear from the wider community. If you would like to see improvements to the facilities at Gairloch Leisure Centre, please simply sign this petition to show your support. 

 

I would also be very interested to hear from local sports clubs, community groups and other organisations who feel that improved gym facilities could benefit their members. Demonstrating wider community support will be crucial as we continue discussions with High Life Highland, the school and potential funders.