Club is a big hit for young and old

Published on Saturday 26 January 2008 09:52

THE old Scout Hut in Lochend Road has been given a new lease of life since last summer's opening of the Lochend Amateur Boxing and Fitness Club by boxing legend, former world champion Ken Buchanan.

Terry McCormack and his fantastic team of boxing/fitness instructors at the club have transformed the wooden building into a hub of activity every weekday night.

The organisers of what must be one of the success stories of the year for a volunteer-motivated initiative in Edinburgh have had to start a waiting list for youngsters wanting to join, such is the level of interest in the club.

Tuesday and Thursday nights, between 6.00-7.30pm, are packed out and McCormack, whose son Darren is one of the rising stars with Hibs FC, said: "Parents appear to want to send their kids here. They know we are strong on discipline and respect. We don't tolerate any bad behaviour.

"We are swamped with the numbers of kids, women and adults wanting to use the facilities.

"It is amazing the numbers wanting to use the place.

"We do have a need to expand and we hope to have talks with the Scouts Association to see if we can buy the building. There is considerable room around about the building and we could possibly expand outwards."

Another of the leaders, Helen Keenan, who uses the facilities on the women-only nights, added: "I get a buzz just walking through the door. It is an amazing atmosphere and you can positively feel the excitement among the kids.

"I come along as often as possible to help Terry and the others. This is a real community project and it is a marvellous club to be part of.

"We have now persuaded Terry to take a night off each week as he was here every night it was open, coming straight from his work to open the place up – he needs to take a break!"

McCormack said: "I think every community in Edinburgh should have a club such as this.

"There are people throughout the city who can replicate what we have here. We worked hard to get the club established but it has been an on-going success story since we opened for business."