The people of Kintyre can look forward to a fitter future with the opening in Campbeltown of a modern gymnasium, with state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified staff.

The Highlander Health and Fitness Centre is the first of its kind in the peninsula and aims to provide for all sections of the community. As well as cardiovascular and resistance equipment, it has a multi-purpose studio for activities ranging from aerobics to boxing. There is also a tanning suite, steam room, saunas and beauty and massage suites.

Jon Williams who spent 16 years in the US Navy Special Warfare (Seal Team), has developed the new facility which has attracted over 300 members in just four weeks. Mr Williams has invested £140,000 (pounds) in the project, creating 12 full-time jobs and one part-time job.

Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) has supported the development with a grant worth £24,000 matched by a further £24,000 from the European KONVER II programme, which supports diversification in areas affected by the closure of defence establishments.

Mr Williams said: "The public have been very supportive of the project since its conception and it is now my turn to acknowledge their loyalty by providing a first class establishment staffed by qualified, friendly personnel who will cater for individual needs and make fitness genuinely satisfying and enjoyable."

AIE, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, has made Kintyre a priority area. While working hard to create new jobs and diversify the economy, the Enterprise Company is also keen to support activities that add to the social life of the area.

Ken Abernthey, chief executive of AIE said: "The Highlander Health and Fitness Centre creates new employment in Campbeltown and also provides a new high quality service for the people of Kintyre. Services like this add to the social amenity of an area and make it more attractive for people to live here."