Coronavirus in Scotland: Gyms and pools allowed to reopen for first time since lockdown

Sports venues like gyms and swimming pools can open today for the first time since late March.

Gyms, swimming pools, and indoor sports courts are reopening in Scotland this morning as the country further eases its lockdown restrictions.

The move comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon brought the opening date forward by two weeks.

Gyms and other indoor sport and exercise facilities have been closed for just shy of six months during the coronavirus lockdown in Scotland.

Gyms, swimming pools, and indoor sports courts are reopening in Scotland this morning as the country further eases its lockdown restrictions.

People training at the newly re-opened businesses will have to follow strict rules to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including staying at home if they have any of the symptoms, and washing and disinfecting any equipment after they use it.

"We have also been doing gymnast workshops on Zoom”

West Lothian Gymnastics Club in Livingston will welcome younger students back later today.

It was previously the only club in the country allowed to reopen for five high-performance athletes.

Head women's coach Becki Campbell told the BBC: "We have managed to prepare well in advance so we are ready. On Monday we welcome two recreational classes and five competitive groups.

"We have also been doing gymnast workshops on Zoom. We were worried some would not feel ready but they absolutely are."

Further restrictions to be lifted

More sports venues, like football stadiums, are due to have restrictions lifted on September 14 - along with theatres and live music venues.

That date could also see indoor contact sports for people aged 12 and over also given the go-ahead by the Scottish government.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director