Tribute has been paid to patrons and employees – past and present – on the 50th birthday of a popular sports centre.
The Leisuredrome marked five decades of swims, workouts, fitness and fun on Wednesday 12 July 2023.
The facility, originally known as Bishopbriggs Sports Centre, was officially opened by HRH Princess Anne 50 years ago.
East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust – which operates the Leisuredrome – asked people to share stories of how they have connected with it over the years.
A special 'birthday card' has been produced and is now on display, featuring stories and recollections from local residents.
A commemorative video has also been released via the EDLC Leisure social media accounts - visit Facebook and visit Twitter.
In addition, a competition ran on social media – giving away a 50-day pass daily in the week leading up to the milestone birthday.
Princess Anne arrived by helicopter to officially open the facility on 12 July 1973.
She told well-wishers at the time, "This sports centre has a great deal to offer and I am sure that anyone who comes here will use the facilities to their fullest extent and derive the maximum pleasure from them."
Princess Anne predicted 50 years ago that the centre would give 'enjoyment and pleasure to a wide range of people' and that has certainly been the case. It continues to be a well-used and much-loved facility – offering a range of activities and inspiring generations of families from Bishopbriggs and beyond.e
Since then there has been a revamp and a rebrand. It became the Leisuredrome in 1995 and remains popular with families and fitness fans of all ages.
Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, visited the Leisuredrome with Trust Chair Jim Neill to mark the birthday.
Jim Neill, Chair of EDLC Trust, said, "We recently invested in The Gym and Studio, with new fitness classes being added all the time, and redecoration works and new signage on the way. Happy birthday to the Leisuredrome and thanks to everyone who has been part of our adventure – patrons and employees, past and present. Here's to more years of fitness and fun for all."
EDLC Trust is led by a board comprised of elected representatives from East Dunbartonshire Council, which set up the trust, and independent members.
