Western Isles swimming pools are open again – with some restrictions

For the first three weeks, the pools will be offering a more limited range of services than usual, as everyone learns to come to terms with adapting to new ways of operation.

At Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais, for example, there will be lane swimming with a maximum of 10 swimmers per lane.

These spaces will be bookable in advance from noon the previous day and will be organised on a ‘slow’ ‘medium’ and ‘fast’ lane principle.

Tony Wade, Sports Facilities services manager, said: “We will also be offering family sessions, with the pool divided up into five sections bookable by family groups, two for families with pre-school age children and three for families with older children.

“This principle will be followed at all our sites, although with smaller numbers which reflects the sizes of the pools, ventilation capacities etc.

“At ISL, Swim Western Isles, the swimming club and the Island Games Swim Development group, who look after many of our young talented swimmers, will also be allocated slots, so that they can hopefully begin to start the long road back to normality.

“There is more information on what to expect on your visit on our app and Facebook page.

“After three weeks, we will reassess the timetable and are hopeful we can look to restart some of the more specialist groups such as Aquafit. However, this will very much depend on the currently very unpredictable circumstances we all find ourselves in.

“Unfortunately the pools at Lionel and Shawbost will not be able until we reach Phase 4 of the Scottish Government roadmap and we will keep customers up to date with progress as soon as we can.”

Sessions can be booked online using the new CnES Sport Facilities app available on Google Play and the App Store.

Forty minute sessions will cost £2 for adults and £1 for concession customers.

Family sessions will cost £5 and £3 for concessions and must have a minimum of one adult and one child in each booking.

Customers will need their membership number and a four digit PIN – contact [email protected] for help.

A limited number of spaces will be available for those without access to a smartphone – call reception on 01851 822800.