The amazing success of the 'Slainte Mhath!' sports facility access scheme has put significant pressure on the fitness suite at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais.

A new air conditioned strength and conditioning area is currently being created, which will have the added benefit of freeing up space for additional CV equipment.

Progress continues to be good and the Sport and Health section would like to assure all customers that disruption will be kept to a minimum during this time.

The new equipment, which was funded entirely by NHS nan Eilean Siar, is due to be installed at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais and Lionacleit Sports Centre during the week commencing August 16.

Gym facilities will close for a short period to allow the old equipment to be removed and the new equipment to be installed. Service users will be given good notice ahead of these works and should continue to read information notices in the building.

Facilities Manager at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais, Tony Wade said: "We hope that service users will understand that some disruption is unavoidable during this time.

"The new cardiovascular equipment by Technogym is the latest model on the market. Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais and the Lionacleit Sports Centre will be the first Local Authority sites in the UK to have this state of the art equipment installed.

"The new equipment will have many exciting new features, including eco-friendly low running costs which will make 40% efficiency savings on energy. I am sure that all our members and users will agree that the small disruptions will be worth it once the upgrading is complete."