We have recently released information related to attendance figures to our sites across Fife for the end of 2021.

We have seen an overall recovery rate of 76 per cent between October 1 to December 31, 2021, compared to the same period for 2020. The quarter three figures for 2021/21 are up 13 per cent on the previous three-month period. The figures cover a period of near-normal operations up until December 27 when the Scottish Government announced restrictions in light of the spread of the Omicorn variant.

Individual sites such as Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre, Pitreavie Athletics Centre and Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre showed the highest recovery rates.

Group fitness classes saw a recovery rate of 53 per cent, up 10 per cent on last quarter, gym attendances were up 63 per cent, and our award-winning health programme with supports people living with long-term health conditions was up 61 per cent.

Our Learn to Swim programme continued to perform well and saw the highest recorded number of attendances with over 6,900 participants up 2.84 per cent on our recovery target. Since October last year, we have also been delivering our community Learn to Swim programme at Balwearie High School, Glenwood High School, Inverkeithing High School, Lochgelly High School and Woodmill High School with over 930 participants enrolled.

Emma Walker, chief executive of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “The trust is very much in recovery phase from a very difficult year – we like a lot of organisations, have experienced significant challenges following lockdowns and restrictions. However, the figures for the last three months of 2021 show that local communities are keen to get active and make use of the trust facilities and services.

“We remain committed to our charitable commitments of making a difference to local communities by delivering quality, affordable sports and leisure facilities so that people can experience the health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity. This year we are prioritising collaborating with key partners so that we maximise community leisure and sports access and opportunities for users of all ages and abilities through a strengthened, joined-up approach.

“I’d like to thank our customers for their continued support and patience throughout 2021 as we worked through the challenges of the pandemic.”