Soldiers can keep in trim for free in South Ayrshire

Jan 23 2009 by Yonnie McInnes

FREE access to some of South Ayrshire Council run leisure facilities for serving military personnel is proving a popular gesture.

Military personnel whose homes are still in South Ayrshire can use council swimming pools, Genesis Gymnasia, Dam Park Stadium, and playing on the squash courts, without charge, until March 31, 2009.

This simple idea was originally mooted to South Ayrshire Council by the Support Our Soldiers SoS organisation who readily agreed to the measure.

Scott Hunter, 25, was born and brought up in South Ayrshire and is now a Signaller with 207 Signal Squadron, part of the 7th Armoured Brigade based in Germany.

He was recently home on leave but was keen to maintain his hard won fitness levels so joined councillor Hugh Hunter, leader of South Ayrshire Council, for a session in the gym.

Scott said: “It is very important to keep exercising when I am on leave, so that when I return to my unit I’m in really good physical condition.”