Olympic athlete turned MSP Brian Whittle has called on the Scottish Government to help rescue the leisure trusts across Scotland that are in danger of collapse.
The majority of public leisure and culture facilities across Scotland are run by charitable trusts, set up to deliver services on behalf of local authorities. The prolonged closure of local gyms, pools, museums, etc during the pandemic has left many of the trusts without valuable income and while they’re now able to reopen, social distancing requirements mean they might not be able to get enough people through the doors to cover their costs.
According to Brian, many of these trusts are worried about how long they can continue to operate but at least four are in real danger of total failure.
The South Scotland MSP has now challenged the First Minister to step in and ensure that all of Scotland’s leisure trusts have the support they need to remain open and serve their communities.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“The leisure and culture facilities these trusts provide aren’t something we can afford to lose. Not only do they employ thousands of people across Scotland and make an important contribution to their local economy, they provide vital public services.
Public sports facilities like gyms, activity centres and swimming pools ensure that everyone, regardless of their income, background or ability have access to physical activity. At a time when looking after our physical and mental health has never been more important, we cannot afford to lose these resources.
I know the Scottish Government has already been in discussions about support but I’m concerned by reports that they’re looking to local authorities to do much of the heavy lifting. This is a national crisis and it requires a significant, national intervention.”
