Milestone anniversary for community fitness centre

7 December 2024

SouthGym, located at Southend Hall in Daliburgh, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

From humble beginnings the facility has grown into a thriving community hub with record-breaking user numbers and upgraded facilities, reaffirming its commitment to supporting health and fitness for all.

Founded in 2004 by a group of dedicated volunteers, the gym was established to meet the fitness needs of the local community, providing a welcoming and affordable space for individuals of all ages and abilities.

This anniversary marks a milestone year with an impressive, record high 70 full time memberships and more than 200 pay-as-you-go bookings per year. This achievement highlights the growing importance of fitness and well-being for the local community.

Thanks to generous donations, grants, and local fundraising efforts, the gym has also completed significant upgrades to its facilities, including state-of-the-art treadmills and new weightlifting equipment.

Nicola Lindsay, lead instructor, said: “We are very lucky and fortunate to have this facility in South Uist.

“Its success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our voluntary committee, as well as the unwavering support of our members and users.

“Regular exercise is proven to enhance mental health and emotional well-being, and SouthGym is excellently outfitted to support individuals in achieving this. We welcome everyone aged 16 plus to come and join us.”

She added: “The SouthGym committee welcomes everyone to enjoy the newly enhanced facilities. With the collective efforts of the gym committee and its members, we look forward to fostering fitness, health, and community spirit for many years to come.”