Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed today’s announcement that gyms and swimming pools can reopen in Scotland from 31st August, with the necessary precautions in place.
Commenting, Douglas said: “This is something I have been calling for and previously wrote to the Scottish Government about, because while facilities in England have been open for several weeks, swimming pools and gyms in Scotland have remained closed.
“As well as creating problems for operators of these facilities, the prolonged closure has been a disaster for small businesses, including personal trainers and others who rely on the sport and leisure industry for their living.
“I have been contacted by operators here in Moray who have been ready to reopen for some time so for them, this news cannot come quicky enough. For some, it may be too late already.
“As well as the commercial impact from this closure, individual constituents have also felt the strain from not being able to swim or exercise and this has also impacted on those who use the gym, hydrotherapy pool or similar facility for physiotherapy. As well as having a physical impact on their health, not being able to exercise can increase mental health problems.
“While it is welcome these facilities will open earlier than had been suggested, many are ready to go now. It seems strange that even up to a few days ago SNP Ministers were saying they couldn’t open gyms when it was clear they could safely reopen. This is welcome progress but many gyms here in Moray have been ready and raring to reopen for weeks.”