Ex-sports boss left with £180k goodbye

THE former boss of the cash-strapped firm that plans to close four of Edinburgh's sports facilities collected a £180,000 "golden goodbye" when he took early retirement earlier this year, it emerged today.

• Keith Jackson took early retirement after 12 years at the helm

Details of the payment to former Edinburgh Leisure chief executive Keith Jackson emerged as campaigns began to gear-up against any closures.

The Evening News revealed yesterday that a "hit list" of facilities that could close has been drawn up under proposals to save 800,000.

Under one proposal, the Crags and Kirkliston leisure centres would both close, alongside the Dalry Swim Centre and Portobello Golf Course. Another option would see the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena being closed down, as well as one or two of the smaller venues.

It was revealed today that part of the reason that the firm has to make such massive savings is the huge payout.

An internal Edinburgh Leisure report said that "the one-off costs" associated with the early retirement of Mr Jackson "will impact reserves by circa 180,000", understood to be a lump-sum pension payment.

One council source said: "It seems like a great deal of money. I think if you are looking at closing a number of centres every element of spending will be examined by users."

Mr Jackson stood down at the end of June after spending 12 years as chief executive of Edinburgh Leisure. An 80,000 a year replacement is being sought.

Users groups were today outraged that their centres could face the axe and are now preparing to fight the plans.

Among those facing the prospect of a battle to stay open are users of Dalry Swim Centre.

Patrick McErlean, president of the Grove Amateur Swimming Club, which has 60 young members and has been based at the centre since 1901, said: "I am shocked at these proposals. Dalry has always been a friendly baths with a friendly atmosphere and it's a lovely facility in a part of town that does not have many facilities. We will be campaigning on this. We will put up a strong case."

Users of the Kirkliston Leisure Centre say they would need to travel a long way to get to their nearest facility.

Gordon Muir, a 51-year-old designer who uses the centre's football pitches, said: "It is devastating news. I know the football always does well and there are a lot of people that attend badminton and keep fit so it would be missed."

Edinburgh Leisure's financial pressures also come from a proposed 347,000 funding cut from the city council and increases in national insurance contributions and VAT.

When asked about Mr Jackson's early retirement, interim chief executive John Comiskey said: "Any information regarding specific individuals employed by Edinburgh Leisure is strictly confidential."