We are confirming our re-opening date following the latest announcement from the Scottish Government which released a new indicative date for the opening of gyms and leisure facilities.

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get our facilities Covid-ready and, like many trusts across Scotland, will re-open its doors on September 14 – the date previously indicated by the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 Route Map.

We will roll-out a phased re-opening programme to ensure the safety of customers and staff – it will see Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes, Carnegie Leisure Centre and Pitreavie Athletics Centre, in Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre opening doors first on Monday, September 14, followed by East Sands Leisure Centre, Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre, Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre and Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre on Monday, September 28.

The next phase will see Duloch Leisure Centre, Cupar Leisure Centre, Bowhill Swimming Pool and Waterstone Crook Leisure Centre welcoming customers on Monday, October 12, followed by the Beacon Leisure Centre on Monday, October 26.

The trust will be releasing details of its online booking system, programme timetables and new customer app over the coming weeks so that customers can easily access facilities with the new Covid measures in place.

Emma Walker, chief executive of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “The indication that gyms and leisure centres may open from the end of the month is welcome, but the short notice period suits smaller, private providers rather than a larger organisation like the trust. Two-weeks’ notice to ramp up the range of facilities managed by the trust is too short notice after six months of mothballing centres.

“Although our sites are ready, it takes a significant level of preparation to make facilities, such as swimming pools under the new Covid regulations, available to the public. So, we will re-open on September 14 with adequate staffing levels – as some of our staff are still furloughed – and, teams who have received the necessary training in Covid protocols, along with booking systems and programmes fully available for our customers.

“We understand customers will be eager to get back to their local leisure centres and we would appeal for understanding as we step up preparations as quickly and as safely as we can. I’d also like to thank them for their support and goodwill during the closure of our facilities.”