We are very excited to be welcoming active locals back to our facilities for the first time in 180 days following the Coronavirus lockdown.

We opened four of our facilities on Monday, September, 14 with eager customers arriving early to enjoy facilities. Our phased re-opening programme to ensure the safety of customers and staff – has seen Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes, Carnegie Leisure Centre and Pitreavie Athletics Centre, in Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre opening doors first.

We’ve had a fantastic response with over 2,700 bookings in the first seven day of launching our online booking system.

Visiting Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, Glenrothes, customer Gemma Craig, Methil Hill said: “Absolutely amazing to be back – I love seeing the instructors and so glad to be getting back to fitness. I feel really safe coming into the centre and particularly like the space in the sports hall.”

One of the first through the doors at Carnegie Leisure Centre, gym user Nial Patterson, Dunfermline, said: “It’s great to be back to the gym so I can mix up my training”

At Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre, the sports hall welcomed group fitness participants including John Doherty, he said: “I’m really grateful for the trust’s online classes since the lockdown but I am delighted to be back – the layout and easy-to-follow safety protocols are great. Staff are really helpful and I’ve missed being in a live classes with instructors.”

Louise Graham form Lochgelly also attended Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre, said: “I felt a bit anxious about returning but I am delighted with the way the sports hall is set up. I also found the online booking easy and I prefer being back to classes than online videos.”

The next phase of the reopening programme will see East Sands Leisure Centre, Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre, Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre and Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre open on Monday, September 28.

Duloch Leisure Centre, Cupar Leisure Centre, Bowhill Swimming Pool and Waterstone Crook Leisure Centre will welcome customers on Monday, October 12, followed by the Beacon Leisure Centre on Monday, October 26.

Ahead of the phased re-opening we have released details of our online booking system and programme timetables, and, will soon launch a new customer app 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: “It’s hugely rewarding to be able to welcome customers back to trust facilities – it’s been a long wait and we’d like to thank customers for their patience and support throughout the lockdown.

“We have had a fantastic response to our re-opening and have been very encouraged by the numbers of people taking the opportunity to book online so that they can access centres and programmes.

“We remain vigilant with regards customer and staff health and safety and we are confident with the protocols we have in place with are in keeping with government, NHS and industry guidelines. We look forward to rolling out the next phase of our re-opening programme and welcoming even more people back to our facilities.”

For further information, and to take a virtual tour of the trust’s Covid safe and healthy measures in centres, visit www.fifeleisure.org.uk