Kirkibost Fitness Hub, based at the Claddach Kirkibost Centre, has just opened its doors and is proving a big hit with the North Uist community.
50 members have signed up in the first few weeks, clearly delighted that they now have fitness facilities right on their doorstep, and no longer have to travel all the way to Sgoil Lionacleit.
Kirkibost Fitness Hub has a variety of equipment, including running machines, cross-trainers and exercise bikes. Over the coming weeks more strength-building machines will be brought in, including weights machines and free weights.
Level-3 Fitness Instructor Tom Rossi has been providing safety inductions in the correct use of the machines to each new member, who then have access to the gym whenever they like.
North Uist Development Company (NUDC) developed the idea for the fitness hub. Equipment for the gym was acquired from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar after the fitness facilities at Liniclate and Castlebay were upgraded.
NUDC is currently assisting Urachadh Uibhist (UU), which runs the Claddach Kirkibost Centre and Saoghal Beag Nursery, to develop the space left vacant by the nursery’s move to Sgoil Uibhist a’ Tuath in August 2016.
Adjacent to the fitness hub, the Kirkibost Craft Hub has recently opened, which provides craft materials and regular workshops, and is also proving popular.
A well as providing a valuable local service for North Uist, the fitness hub hopes to generate a healthy revenue for the Claddach Kirkibost Centre, home of the popular Kirkibost Cafe and Hebridean Kitchen, and a popular meeting venue for local groups.
NUDC and UU next hope to open a dedicated space for hairdressing and beauty therapy, as well as to attract tenants to use some of the available office space.
Ada Campbell, Chair of UU commented: “Kirkibost Fitness Hub is a fantastic addition to the centre and we are thrilled that it is proving so popular. It fits in perfectly with our plans to develop the Claddach Kirkibost Centre into North Uist’s most vibrant and accessible community hub.”